Protesters took to the Las Vegas Strip Wednesday afternoon, marching under police escort toward the Trump International Hotel as part of a nationwide movement. Similar protests erupted across the country, fueled by frustration over political issues, immigration policies, and corporate influence.
The demonstration kicked off around 2:30 p.m. with about 50 people gathering in front of the Bellagio Fountains. Armed with signs and megaphones, they announced their plan to march toward Trump International Hotel. Meanwhile, a smaller group assembled near the Las Vegas Federal Courthouse on 6th Street and Stanley W. Cooper Place.
As the marchers moved toward the hotel, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police vehicles followed closely with lights flashing and sirens blaring, ensuring the protest remained under control. By 3:10 p.m., the crowd reached Las Vegas Boulevard and Fashion Show Drive, where they stopped to voice their concerns.
“We just want representation,” said Justice Butteling, a local resident and protester. “We want all of us to feel comfortable and not deal with the Nazi or fascists.”
Butteling explained that she learned about the demonstration on social media and was told it was part of a nationwide protest movement called 50501, which stands for “50 states, 50 protests, one day.”
Many protesters held signs opposing recent federal immigration policy changes, while others voiced concerns about Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, and his influence.
“I want to make sure that everybody feels safe,” Butteling added. “I want everybody in this country to feel like they’re welcome and they shouldn’t feel like this. This shouldn’t be allowed. I was very emotional [and] crying when I was hearing this stuff happen.”
LVMPD officers informed protesters that they could march down Fashion Show Drive, a partially private road, but the group ultimately decided to return to the Bellagio Fountains, where the protest ended after about three hours.
As the demonstration wrapped up, around 10 officers were seen interacting with and searching two protesters. The individuals, who later spoke with local reporters, claimed they had been removed from the property by Bellagio security after standing on a wall to take photos.
Some protesters hinted that more demonstrations are in the works for Las Vegas this week, referencing a flyer that promoted another march scheduled for Saturday—though no location was disclosed.