As voices rang out around the world calling for truth, justice and an end to the Trump administration, Bainbridge Island’s grassroots organizing community grew some deeper roots.

Over 1,000 people attended the Hands Off! rally on BI April 5 as part of a global demonstration against recent actions by Trump and associate Elon Musk.

Early estimates show about 1 million people participated in the protest, including thousands in all 50 states, as well as Berlin, Paris and London. Themes included resistance to oligarchy, fascism, justice and protection for marginalized groups, and democracy permeated many sentiments.

On BI, many attendees’ signs called for reform — some specific, like the restoration of Social Security Administration staff, and some general, like the need for compassion and courage in U.S. society. Other signs condemned the actions of Trump’s and Musk’s Department of Governmental Efficiency, citing the stock market-shattering tariffs enacted April 2, rollbacks to environmental regulations and executive orders targeting the transgender community and immigrants.

“What has been going on with the Musk administration has been incredibly concerning. And I didn’t say that by accident,” nurse Claire Richards said. She and husband Ryan coordinated the local Hands Off! march and are members of community organizing group Indivisible Bainbridge.

“We’re seeing a rise in fascism, and this government is authoritarian. That is why we became involved; it is within our power as a community, and our voices are more powerful together. It’s the only avenue that we see to protect our democracy and to protect our community,” Claire Richards said.

Protesters overwhelmed downtown sidewalks and ended up walking on the street in portions, and BI police temporarily blocked traffic at Madison and Winslow. The march culminated in eight speeches.

BI resident Rakesh Bharania was laid off from his cybersecurity role at federal agency USAID in February, following a recommendation from Musk’s DOGE that the Trump administration cut 90% of foreign support.

“I wanted to speak on behalf of the millions of people around the world that American foreign aid helped. Earthquake victims in Myanmar or starving children in Burundi are never going to get the opportunity to tell their story here, and so I felt a deep moral obligation to speak on behalf of their lives, which are in such peril now that USAID has been demolished,” Bharania said. “Even now, with all the damage done, I believe that every death from famine, disease or disaster we can avoid is still worth avoiding. Every bit of suffering America could prevent is still worth preventing.”

Michael Cox, a member of the city Climate Change Advisory Committee, agreed that the decimation of federal agencies will cause suffering, both overseas and in the U.S. He cautioned that the actions of Trump resemble those of the two dictators he lived under while working in Africa.

“I have seen many administrations come and go, but this is the first time I have felt the direction the country is going is wrong,” Cox said. “While I am in the last chapter of my life, my children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren have many years left on this planet, and we have the responsibility to make sure they have a planet that is worth fighting for.”

Claire Richards said the march has brought the BI community together.

“This is the silver lining to me, of the situation with the Trump regime: I think people are so angry and so upset that they’re willing to come out of their houses and work with people, and I’m hopeful that we can change the slide from isolation towards more connectedness,” she said.

The community turnout was inspiring, but the work has only just begun, Ryan Richards added.

“If Trump tries to invade Greenland, which we all laugh about but could literally happen tomorrow, we are closer to having the capacity to shut the economy down and say, ‘No, this can’t this can’t happen,’” he said.

Parent Chastity Malatesta said BI “showed up in love,” which spoke to the island’s commitment to unity.

“I feel really proud that the neighbors that I love are standing in solidarity, and being an African American woman on Bainbridge, I think it’s a testament to the fact that we can do better,” she said. “Right now a lot of people woke up newly oppressed and that for some of us were born into oppression. This is a time for us to come together… The only movements that have been successful are people’s movements that are built on love.”

MJ Palmer courtesy photo An American flag suspended upside down, the international sign for distress.