Congressman Jim Himes, state Attorney General William Tong, and 1,500 other men, women and children thronged the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge today.
Stretching up and down Post Road East from Main Street to Route 33, it is believed to be the largest political protest in downtown Westport since the Vietnam War.
(Photo/Rowene Weems)
Wearing red, white and blue, carrying signs and chanting, the crowd was part of more than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations in Washington, state capitals and all 50 states.
They sang, too: “This Land is Your Land.” “God Bless America.” And “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
(Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
They protested an array of actions by President Trump, Elon Musk and the current administration: the firing of federal workers and closing of agencies, deportation of immigrants, cuts to health and veterans programs, and more.
Passing drivers offered support, honking and giving thumbs-up signs. Some in Teslas yelled, “We bought ours before we knew” about Musk’s actions.
Here are some signs and scenes from the day.
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Police Chief Foti Koskinas, ensuring Westport is safe for democracy. (Photo/Alan Shinbaum)
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Young protesters … (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
… and 97-year-old Carol Gluckman, who has seen her share. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Congressman Jim Himes (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
(Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
State Senator Ceci Maher (2nd from right), and Democratic Women of Westport.
(Photo/Nicole Klein)
One of the few dissenters. (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
(Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
(Photo/Rowene Weems)
(Photo/Rowene Weems)
“All I want is peace,” explained this sign holder. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)