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MANSFIELD, OH – April 5, 2024
A “Hands Off” rally organized by the Democratic Party took place in downtown Mansfield on Friday, drawing a modest crowd of protesters and curious spectators. While the event remained peaceful, several signs and moments during the demonstration sparked confusion and debate among attendees and bystanders.
Participants held various signs expressing opposition to President Donald Trump, along with broader messages regarding social issues, policy concerns, and government oversight. However, not all signs were immediately clear in their meaning.
One sign, held by a female identified as a priest, read:
“My faith says: this is wrong!”
Below the main statement, the sign listed phrases including “cut Social Security,” “cut Medicare,” “deport immigrants,” and “ruler oligarchy.” The intent of the message was unclear to many. Spectators nearby discussed whether the sign was satirical or a critique of certain policies, but no consensus was reached.
Another sign stated:
“While I Still have the right to freedom of speech. Fuck Trump.”**
This sign led to confusion, as some questioned the relevance of the message given that President Trump signed an executive order in January 2025 aimed at limiting federal involvement in online censorship and reaffirming First Amendment protections. It’s worth noting, however, that executive orders do not override existing constitutional rights and are often symbolic or policy-driven rather than legislative.
One protester carried a sign reading:
“Deport Musk.”
This drew attention, as Elon Musk, though born in South Africa, is a naturalized U.S. citizen and cannot be legally deported under current laws. It’s unclear whether the sign was intended as a literal statement or satirical commentary.
A sign that read “The wannabee orange emperor wears no clothes” also appeared at the event. We have received nor have we heard any reports about President Trump running around in the nude. I am sure we would have heard about it, no one keeps that secret for long.
A large custom dump truck adorned with pro-Trump flags circled the square multiple times during the protest, honking its air horn. Initially, some rallygoers responded positively, doing the arm pump to get the driver to honk again. However, once the protesters realized the truck was displaying support for Trump, reactions among the crowd shifted, and they went back to protesting Trump. Yes, I know. It is a confusing world in which we live.
Later in the demonstration, Mansfield Police conducted a traffic stop involving the same truck. The driver reported that the officer advised him of a noise ordinance that related to horn usage. A review of the city’s publicly available ordinances indicates that Mansfield does have noise regulations, but they typically apply to residential areas and after 9:00 PM. The specific ordinance cited during the stop was not immediately available.
Some spectators noted that other vehicles in the area also used their horns but were not stopped by police.
One of the more unusual sights at the rally was a self-identified witch attending the protest, holding a sign that featured a swastika with a strike-through symbol. Observers pointed out that the swastika was drawn backward— a design that resembles the left-facing swastika used in Hinduism, symbolizing night or the goddess Kali. The intention behind the sign was unclear. Some questioned the relevance of the symbol in this context, particularly in a political protest, while others believed it may have been a general statement against fascism or Nazi ideology.
While no official statement was made by Democratic Party organizers regarding the presence of religious or spiritual figures at the rally, the diversity of participants reflected a wide range of beliefs and messages.
In summary, the “Hands Off” rally in Mansfield was peaceful but marked by moments of confusion, unconventional signs, and mixed messages. Attendees ranged from political activists to curious locals, and the atmosphere remained largely respectful despite the occasional contradiction and head-turning symbolism.
