WASHINGTON (BN24) — Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in cities and towns across the United States on Saturday in coordinated “No Kings” protests denouncing President Donald Trump, calling for the protection of democracy, and opposing authoritarianism. The widespread protests, which unfolded under heightened security, were largely peaceful, although some confrontations with law enforcement occurred in several cities.
From New York and Los Angeles to Charlotte and Philadelphia, demonstrators rallied under banners reading “No Kings,” waving American flags—some upside down in a symbol of distress—and voicing support for immigrants and civil liberties. Organizers said more than 2,000 events were planned nationwide under the 50501 Movement, which stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
The demonstrations came amid a climate of political tension and a growing pattern of violent incidents, including the earlier assassination of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and the shooting of State Sen. John Hoffman. In response, Minnesota organizers canceled all planned rallies, and Gov. Tim Walz urged residents to avoid public gatherings until the suspect is apprehended.
“Given what happened overnight, we need to prioritize public safety,” Walz wrote on social media. “Until this threat is neutralized, please do not attend political rallies in Minnesota today.”
In other states, governors deployed National Guard troops and reinforced police presences. Republican governors in Virginia, Texas, Nebraska and Missouri ordered Guard units to assist local law enforcement amid fears of unrest.
Flagship Rallies Draw Thousands
In Philadelphia, intermittent rain did little to slow a massive turnout at Love Park, where marchers waved signs reading “Fight Oligarchy” and “Deport the Mini-Mussolinis.” Protesters marched to the Philadelphia Museum of Art while chanting, “Whose streets? Our streets!” U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland addressed the crowd, asking, “Are you ready to fight back? Do you want a gangster state or do you want free speech in America?”
In Atlanta, the official “No Kings” rally reached its 5,000-person capacity within an hour, while thousands more gathered outside the barriers in front of the Georgia State Capitol. In Charlotte, North Carolina, crowds marched behind a “No Kings” banner, chanting, “No kings, no crowns, we will not bow down,” as they wound through downtown streets under the watchful eye of police.
In Los Angeles, thousands surrounded City Hall, waving signs such as “Protesting is not a crime” and “ICE out of LA.” Demonstrators carried a Trump piñata adorned with a crown and a giant helium balloon caricature of the president. A Native American drum circle and dance performance led the rally before the march spread through city streets.
Protests Met with Police Response
While most protests were peaceful, isolated confrontations occurred. In Charlotte, officers on bicycles briefly blocked a downtown march, prompting chants of “Let us walk.” In northern Atlanta, police used tear gas to disperse several hundred demonstrators attempting to reach Interstate 285. A journalist was reportedly detained during the confrontation, and police helicopters monitored the crowd overhead.
In Florida, about 1,000 protesters rallied at the old Capitol in Tallahassee, waving signs with slogans such as “One Nation Under Distress” and “Dissent Is Patriotic.” Marchers near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach were turned back by sheriff’s deputies before reaching the gates.
Voices of Protest
Karen Van Trieste, 61, a nurse from Maryland who traveled to Philadelphia for the protest, said she joined the march to stand against what she views as authoritarian actions by the Trump administration. “I just feel like we need to defend our democracy,” she said, citing concerns over executive orders and attacks on immigrant communities.
In Charlotte, Jocelyn Abarca, 21, said, “If we don’t stop it now, it’s just going to keep getting worse,” referencing deportations and the recent deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles.
Symbolism and Unity
Many protesters wore symbolic attire, including a woman in Philadelphia dressed as the Statue of Liberty who led an anti-Trump sing-along using the tune of “Y.M.C.A.” Some held signs quoting founding fathers, while Revolutionary War-era costumes appeared in several rallies. Mexican flags—frequently used in immigration rights protests—were also seen throughout Saturday’s events.
Organizers emphasized nonviolence and urged participants to avoid confrontations. The 50501 Movement’s mission is to oppose authoritarianism and promote democratic values, organizers said, with the “No Kings” name meant to reflect the movement’s call for equality under the law.
President Trump, meanwhile, spent the day in Washington, attending a military parade celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, which also marked his 79th birthday. A parallel protest in the capital featured a massive “Trump must go now” banner leading thousands through the streets.
AP
