LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Protesters in Las Vegas gathered in the Arts District as part of nationwide protests against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Saturday afternoon.
Protesters are criticizing the Trump administration's handling of government downsizing, the economy and other issues. Organizers are asking President Trump and Elon Musk to take their "hands off" of critical programs that Americans use.
VIDEO: Channel 13's Guy Tannenbaum talks to "Hands Off!" protesters
It is expected that 250,000 Americans will take to the streets across the nation to declare "Hands Off!" to the president and Elon Musk.
A couple thousand of those people filled sidewalks in the Arts District, making their voices heard with chants and signs, and a mile-long march.
"I'm out here today because I feel it's my right and my duty to speak up," Pat Vega said. "I have a voice, and I believe that it needs to be heard—what I believe in and what I don't believe in."
Vega said the Trump administration's actions on immigration are what drove her to her first rally.
"That's not America, that's not what we stand for," Vega said. "It brought me to tears, and I finally said I have to let my voice be heard."
Drake York told Channel 13 he's concerned about his free speech rights.
"I really want to be a journalist, and it's important to me that I communicate whatever I need to," York said. "I'd also like to be able to finish school, which might not happen if this continues."
Christian Solomon said he's frustrated with just about everything the Trump administration's done so far.
"We're out here to demonstrate in solidarity with our fellow Nevadans, that we aren't going to take this anymore," Solomon said. "We need to get rid of these two folks from office right now."
"I think it goes back to the saying, 'Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something,' and this is doing something," said Kathy Blair.
Blair is one of the protest's organizers and told Channel 13 that the turnout in the Arts District on Saturday was more than they imagined.
"When our elected officials see the crowds that are coming out and expressing their feelings so strongly, it's going to give them pause, and it's going to make them think about their next vote," Blair said.
That's exactly what other protesters hope for, too, especially because they told Channel 13 they know they're playing a small part in what's turned out to be a nationwide movement.
"It's very positive, and it looks like because of this, we're going to see something change in the future to hold this government accountable," Solomon said.
"I think it's a sign that the people are ready to stand up and say 'This is what we want, and not what our congressmen and senators are saying,'" Vega said. "This is what we want, honor our wishes and listen to our voices."
Local organizers told Channel 13 they don't have another rally planned quite yet, but they do intend on holding more in the future.
