Thousands took to Copley Square on Sunday to loudly protest the Trump administration’s ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries in the aftermath of a tumultuous night that saw federal judges from Boston and elsewhere stay parts of the order, which has been disavowed by many key politicians as unconstitutional.
Covering the protest on Twitter meant trying to capture the size and sensation of the protest, as well as individual gestures, protesters, quotes, and political statements made non-verbally. The immediacy of the platform lends itself to such an electric, dynamic setting – but the issues of uploading to Twitter in the midst of a dense crowd, almost all members of which are also online, means that some creativity in where a reporter places themselves is necessary.
Here are some highlights from Twitter, displaying swelling crowds, creative signs, and a prevailing spirit of perseverance.
“No ban, no wall, freedom for all!” – Protestors of Trump’s #MuslimBan easily fill Copley Square. #digiNU pic.twitter.com/QgyTN6LUwE
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
“No collaboration with this administration!” – Thousands protest anti-immigration, anti-Muslim ban at Copley Square. #digiNU pic.twitter.com/xQGX5jheCC
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
A sign at the Copley Square protest uses Pence’s words against him. “Let them in!” the crowd shouts. #digiNU pic.twitter.com/6VG70jUDO1
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
“No justice, no peace!” The Copley Square protest of Trump’s anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim ban swells in both senses of volume. #digiNU pic.twitter.com/cCeIImr0W4
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
Thousands still strong in Copley Square, protesting Trump’s anti-immigration, anti-Muslim ban. #DigiNU #MuslimBan pic.twitter.com/ppbURYXWrS
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
The mood remains electric two hours in. “THIS IS WHAT AMERICA LOOKS LIKE!” Protesters proclaim in Copley Square. #MuslimBan #DigiNU pic.twitter.com/fwqbloG3ze
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
“The people united can never be divided.” John Robbins – CAIR MA, at Copley in protest of Trump’s anti-immigrant #MuslimBan. #digiNU pic.twitter.com/NLQSfgAzcL
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
A Cambridge city counselor tells thousands at Copley protesting Trump’s anti-immigration/anti-Muslim ban to “occupy organizing.” #digiNU pic.twitter.com/IfHSIpH0Pq
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
As the huddled masses swell, a pair of protesters embrace on church steps in Copley. “No hate, no fear, Muslims are welcome here.” #DigiNU pic.twitter.com/cYEJjxJMw5
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
Copley remains stuffed with those protesting Trump’s ban. The volume escalates with the refrain “No ban, no wall.” #DigiNU #MuslimBan pic.twitter.com/H8hUvfAjk4
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
“There is nothing Christian about banning Muslims,” a reverend says to the thousands gathering in protest at Copley. #MuslimBan #digiNU pic.twitter.com/kIXC3KuUPA
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
“Tear up this ban!” A speaker at Copley Square says of Trump’s anti-immigrant/Muslim ban, to widespread cheers. #digiNU pic.twitter.com/O6N1ExMDUG
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
Prayer rugs are laid out at the back edge of the Copley Square protest against Trump’s anti-immigration/Muslim ban. #digiNU #MuslimBan pic.twitter.com/88ypUH4SqU
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
“Migration is beautiful,” reads one sign at #MuslimBan protest against Trump’s Islamophobic anti-immigration ban. #digiNU pic.twitter.com/1w0SfRGkos
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
The Copley Square protest against #MuslimBan is now mobile, shutting down streets in the direction of Boston Common. #digiNU pic.twitter.com/V8DdxWcQpt
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
A fierce warrior against discrimination at Copley, protesting Trump’s unconstitutional #MuslimBan. #digiNU pic.twitter.com/5s8w3x1xVw
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
The Copley Square protest against Trump’s xenophobic, Islamophobic #MuslimBan has reached the Common. #digiNU pic.twitter.com/cEoKMYCZGZ
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
“No ban, no wall!” Protesters who started at Copley Square are marching against #MuslimBan along the Common. #digiNU pic.twitter.com/DdbpRGrvN4
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
“Where is Charlie Baker?” on #MuslimBan rebellion, wonder protesters outside @MAStateHouse. #digiNU #MuslimBanprotest pic.twitter.com/lraaQHjRlP
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
#MuslimBan protesters occupy the State House steps, rejecting Trump’s Islamophobic legislation. #NoBanNoWall #digiNU pic.twitter.com/bgZTtcMQXr
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
“We gon’ be alright,” protesters chant as #MuslimBan protest continues. #NoBanNoWall https://t.co/iGQArziDSC
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017
At State House, @titojackson addresses #MuslimBan protesters, promises “organized people” trump “organized money.” #NoBanNoWall #digiNU pic.twitter.com/iORp1qi0Bz
— Isaac Feldberg (@I_Feldberg) January 29, 2017