FAQs For Today's HANDS OFF! Protest In Beacon, NY
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Protest FAQs
Some readers have submitted questions, so we will answer them here. As always, submit your questions on any topic at any time.
"We are 2 seniors. Where is the best place to park?"
Polhill Park is located in a hilly area, no matter what direction you come from. Free parking is available at the Beacon Police Station, which is across the street (Wolcott Ave.) from Polhill Park. You will need to walk uphill from there to get to Polhill Park. Otherwise, you could park in the back roads on this side of Wolcott, behind South Avenue. Be mindful of people's driveways and fire hydrants. Don't block any. You'll still need to walk downhill a bit.
"Do we need to register?"
No. You can just show up. Registration at that web page was created because this is a nation-wide protest. When this happens, there are registration platforms created so that people can search by zip code to find the nearest protest. In theory, you could protest-hop. Go from one protest to another. But don't tire yourself out :)
“Is registering normal? Why is NATO mentioned in the protest flyer?”
That question has been answered in full here. With contributions from other concerned readers.
"How are the Beacon Police?"
From my experience as a white woman who has covered many protests in Beacon starting in 2020 with Black Lives Matter, the Beacon Police serve as facilitators of a protest. Even if one springs up without advance notice to them, they make their presence at the protest. Sometimes just their presence makes people uncomfortable. This was especially so during 2020 BLM. But as far as I have seen, their presence was there and they did not interfere. In fact, the police chief now, Chief Figlia, spoke at one of the BLM Open Mics, sharing his personal experience and wanting to connect with the community.
At this protest, I personally would not be afraid of Beacon Police. In this climate, however, I would remain alert as to who I can't tell is police in plain clothes, or posing as ICE, or is enforcement from another police agency.
"Should I attend?"
Up to you. Your safety is the most important. If you feel safe attending, I would say to smother yourself in calm vibes. If there are any agitators, or a$$holes, they may try to say things to poke you. Remind yourself to take deep breaths and to not respond. Zip your lips, and keep to any chants if you feel like chanting, or just listen and be present.
“This was removed from the mobilize us website is it still happening in Beacon?”
Interesting. I just called Beacon Police to verify, and as far as they know, it is happening. They said they were planning on checking in a little later in the day before it starts to make sure, but as far as they know, yes. I checked in with a few others with ears to the ground, and they have heard nothing about it being canceled.
UPDATE: A reader sent in this link, that the registration has “Reached Capacity”. It was not removed from the site, but apparently that site has a "capacity." Registering for a protest is never necessary, and personally, ALBB does not recommend registering, as who knows who is getting your data. A protest against a dictatorship and purposeful cratering of an economy can be organized by Zios who may be aligned with a viewpoint of no dictators, but not aligned with leveling Palestine and not caring about Pro-Palestine harassment. So be careful.
"Is this protest for Pro-Palestine? Because if so, I'm not attending."
That's an annoying question. If you're going to fight tariffs and dictatorship, then you might as well absorb a Free Palestine into your life. Because the federal budget did not decrease for sending Made In The USA bombs to kill children, women, men, medics, journalists, scholars, and artists in Palestine. Not to mention completely level cities. If you're pro-gun control but can't bother yourself to be vocal about Palestine, then you might as well start now. Ammunition and blowing things up is big business. It's all connected.
Stay safe.
Protest Details
Day: Saturday, April 5, 2025
Time: 3pm-5pm
Location: Polhill Park
As part of the Hands OFF! protests being organized around the country, Beacon's will be at Polhill Park (near Bank Square Coffeehouse) from 3pm-5pm.
This protest is inspired by protecting:
Medicaid + Medicare + Social Security + Our Jobs + Our Wallets + Our Bodies + Fair Elections + Personal Data + Public Lands + Beteran Services + Cancer Research + NATO + Consumer Protections + Clean Air + Clean Energy + Schools + Libraries + Free Speech + LGBTQ+ Rights + Immigrants + Courts + More
About this event:
From the Organizers: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. We are fighting back!”
“They're taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.”
🚨 On Saturday, April 5th, we're taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off! 🚨
“This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. Alongside Americans across the country, we are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.”
“A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.”
Check out handsoff2025.com for more information.
