CUMBERLAND — Shouts of “Shame on Trump” rang throughout the streets of Cumberland Saturday afternoon as hundreds gathered in protest.
The rally was a part of the nationwide Hands Off! protest, where groups around the country spoke out against Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, and to advocate for the protection of public lands and various social services.
Cumberland’s group was one of more than 1,200 in all 50 states taking part in what Hands Off! organizers called a “nationwide mobilization” effort.
Sponsored by the Allegany County Democratic Central Committee, protesters gathered at Allegany County Courthouse on Washington Street and then marched to Cumberland City Hall after a series of guest speeches.
Cresta Kowalski, chair of the committee, said that the event was a place for people to find common ground in an ever polarizing political climate.
“People coming out nationally is just saying that we want our America back,” Kowalski said.
Kowalski said that recent developments in the federal government have fueled the need for the protest, and that they present the need to “get away from talking party politics.”
“We need to start talking about the values that we hold dear.”
Kowalski said she feels “emboldened” by the chance to promote change amidst recent activity that she has seen from the federal government.
Topics like the recent tariffs enacted by the Trump administration and actions from the newly created Department of Government Efficiency or “DOGE” were commonplace among residents and speakers.
Cheryl Beaver, a Cumberland resident, was impressed with the turnout.
“There’s a substantial amount of people here,” she said.
Beaver said the protest was one good way to have her voice heard in a county that is majority conservative.
“Other ways I’m trying to help is calling my legislators on a a regular basis,” Beaver said.
William Pfaff, another Cumberland resident, said he came to the event to find unity with people who share the same day-to-day issues as him.
“I have more in common with the Republican next door than I ever will with Elon Musk,” Pfaff said.
Pfaff said that the nationwide event will help to “echo” the voices of Americans who deal with issues such as “just getting food on the table” that go beyond party lines.
Cumberland City Council member Eugene Frazier, one of the event speakers, echoed the group’s message of finding common ground.
“Love someone you tend to ignore,” he said.
Helen Miller has lived in the Cumberland area for decades and said that the rally happened at the perfect time.
“We need to do something like this to have a presence,” she said. “I’m afraid that we’re not gonna get our country back.”