What participants saw at No Kings protests across the country

With thousands of Americans showing up in 1,500 cities for “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump Saturday, I wanted to know what motivated people and what they experienced. So I did what any modern journalist would do: I posted a question on Facebook.

And the answers poured in.

My Facebook friends list is national in scope so the answers came from all over. Some of my Facebook friends were away from home and found protests to attend where they were visiting. Some of my LGBTQ friends skipped Pride parades in order to protest.

One thing you’ll notice in the comments below — attested to in other national reports — is the uniform peacefulness of these protests. And to a person, those reporting on their experience found positive energy and hope.

 

McKinney, Texas — “More than 3,000 participating, great turn out. Lots of positive energy. It was hot though. Lots of creative signs.” — Mike Korson

“I have to do something to help change the course of the country. Many more people than I expected (one estimate was 5,000), much more support from those driving by than my first protest in April, kindness from those handing out water, sunscreen, many people older than me.” — Amy Kendrick Lee

Dallas — “We protested against a tyrannical government and leader who puts their desire for wealth and power above the needs of the people. We marched for marginalized people, for hard working immigrants, for our health care, the safety of our children, for our protected lands, and for the future of our planet. I was proud of our city for organizing a peaceful, organized assembly. We proudly waved our flags (yes, there were many US flags despite what certain news channels report) and made our voices heard!” — Jenny Kell Verdooren

“Downtown Dallas where thousands (10,000?) people gathered and marched. It’s important for people to know that others share the disgust and fear of the consequences of what Trump, many of our elected officials and judges are doing. I connect with the signs that said, ‘Too many reasons I’m protesting to fit on this sign.’” — Jean Krone Bono

“Wanted to show up and be counted among those who are frustrated by the ill-advised actions of our current administration. And I’m so glad that I participated. It was great to be in that crowd.” — Paul Skelton

Beverly, Mass. — “An amazing turnout for a smaller community. The mayor was there, so many creative signs, friendly people of all ages, and lots of supporters honking as they drove by.” — Tressa Korson-Weaber

Richmond, Va. — “Life is too short and too precious to be lived under lies. The available space was full and the crowd was peaceful and enthusiastic.” — Paul Richardson

“Every movement for social change has been birthed in protest.”

Hendersonville, N.C. — “We had about 4,000 people marching in this small town. I gave the invocation. I participated to let people know they are not alone. I also realize every movement for social change has been birthed in protest. I observed a tangible feeling of love and solidarity. Lots of beautiful people there. No violence or issues.” — Jennifer Mayeaux

Denton, Texas — “We wanted to be eyes and boots on the ground to witness and document anything that might need an observer. And what we observed was peaceful protests by a lot of people who are exhausted by what has been happening since Trump stepped into politics. And we also went because what is happening in the U.S. right now is unbelievable. Democracy is vulnerable and so are human rights. … It was amazing to see the vast age of participants, and those of all races and genders gathered in solidarity. There were veterans, medical personnel, blue collar workers, retirees, school aged kids and young adults, families, professionals, same-sex couples and those that drove by and shouted or honked in agreement.” — Melissa Ballard

Denver — “We don’t have to react with violence. Those who’ve gone before us, took care of that. We need to reclaim our rights. — Karen Holstein

“Gathering with our neighbors today taught us that we have far more things in common than we do differences, and that the differences are minor. Whom you love? Doesn’t matter. The color of your skin? Doesn’t matter. Your socioeconomic class? Doesn’t matter. Deep down, our belief in this grand democratic experiment is so solid that we realized we must step up and protest any threat to our system of government. It isn’t perfect, at all. There are lots of things wrong with it, and we can fix those things, but right now is not the time. In order to fix something, we must save it first.” — Nancy Woods

“We march and protest, knowing that in Nazi Germany they failed to stop Hitler. … At some point Trump will try to shut down Congress, fully ignore the courts and attempt to suspend elections if we the people who showed up on Saturday aren’t able to stop his craziness. This was Hitler’s path, and I believe this path is outlined in Project 2025 which began with Joseph Coors starting the Heritage Foundation in 1972. There were thousands of peaceful participants from 4 to 95 in Denver, friends reflected similar experiences in Littleton, Boulder, and Longmont, Colo.” — Lee Berg

Hondo, Texas — “Probably 25 to 30 people along Hwy. 90. I wanted to be seen with these peaceful protesters. Lots of honking and thumbs up. Local police and county sheriff cruised by occasionally just to be sure we were safe.” — Evelyn Meadows McAnelly

Austin, Texas — “Estimated 10,500. I participated because I feel like the majority of Americans don’t like what’s going on but don’t do anything about it and if it goes as it’s BEEN going we could lose this democracy. Totally positive and festive. Totally peaceful. Lots of witty and loving signs. Tons of National Guard and police.” — Carol Hawkins

Waco, Texas — “Over 1,000 in attendance at ‘Freedom Corner’ where other side-of-the-road protests have been taking place. I have been to several and this was far and away the largest. The response from cars driving by was 90% positive. Why? Well, my sign said boldly ‘Christ Only Is My King!’” — Don Moore

“We had close to 1,000 on our little street corner protesting, singing and chanting peacefully. I participated as we need to stand up for democracy and our communities of immigrants. Constitutional rights must be respected and upheld and we are all in jeopardy of losing that. With all the negative news across our nation, it is uplifting to see that many are not happy with the status quo. Those that are demanding change to a more respectful, caring world that still loves and cares for all our neighbors. We had no law enforcement presence which is as it should be.” — Debbie Ucci

Suwanee, Ga. — I went because these gatherings need as many people as possible for the collective call for resistance to be heard. The local newspaper estimated the crowd at 1,500. … People waved flags and signs along a major intersection. I was impressed with the clever signs, such as ‘So bad even the introverts are here,’ and ‘Current threat level: Orange.’ Several veterans had signs to the effect that they fought for our country overseas and now they’re fighting for it here.” — Sarah Zimmerman

Danville, Va. — “Why: Out of concern that we’re headed into a Bonhoeffer-like kind of time.” — Bob Ballance

Winston-Salem, N.C. — “Winston-Salem already had its Pride celebration scheduled for yesterday, but it seemed like folks were combining it with No Kings Day protests. There was lots of mixed signage all around the city.” — Mallory Challis

Houston — “I participated because we must stand up to these fascists. And I observed thousands of people peacefully protesting what is happening in our country. All ages, races and ethnicities. Lots of variety in the messages being shared from the podium — from ICE to Medicaid, from the homeless to the takeover of Houston ISD.” — Lisa Sandoz Robinson

Morristown, Tenn. — “My husband and sister and I attended. Tennessee is redder than red, especially here in the Eastern part. There were around 375 people and great enthusiasm — so much positive energy. We also received a lot of support from folks driving by. There was hope and determination in the air. It was a very good day.” — Julie Lane Chitwood

“There was hope and determination in the air.”

Woodstock, Ga. — “It was amazing. Peaceful, joyful, 4,000 people in a small town in a red state. Police were happy and helpful. A few counter-protesters but no confrontations. They just came through and shook their heads.” — Cathy Payne Anderson

Macon, Ga. — “I was there because we have another Sly Fox as a leader and he is surrounded by another Brood of Vipers.” — Frank Broome

Eureka Springs, Ark. — “There is not a poster board large enough for my list of grievances. But mostly because I’ve lived by the phrase, ‘If not you, who?’ and my momma reminds me that I was made for such a time as this — sitting out isn’t an option. I saw 500 people gathering in community with clever signs, flags, chants — cheering each other on, high-fiving over clever quips, dancing to the music. I saw friends and community members volunteer ahead of time to be taught safety tips and tactics, then today put safety vests on to ensure everyone was safe while participating. It was Pride weekend too — so LGBTQ folk, families with allies everywhere.” — Ethan Avanzino

Charleston, S.C. — “I participated because of the mean-spirited and immoral actions of the current presidential administration. I observed kind and cordial protesters, local ordinances clearly designed to minimize and marginalize free speech demonstrations, people of all ages and demographics standing together.” — Dan Freemyer

New Albany, Ind. — “I led rally music. I added a new verse to ‘This Land Is Your Land.’ And I played an original song written for this moment, ‘Not Here, Now.’” — Chris Sanders

Athens, Ga. — “We probably had 2,000-plus despite pretty heavy intermittent rain. I was pleased with the turnout, especially with most UGA students gone for the summer. A handful of fairly combative counter-protesters were there with a ‘Jesus is King’ banner and a megaphone. I thought about trying to explain to them that Christ called me to join in the protest but — after hearing what was being screeched through their megaphone — I abandoned that notion. It was pretty clear that their theology was not grounded any better than their politics.” — Chris Conley

Frisco, Texas — “I went because I needed to be around positive people who aren’t giving up the fight for what’s right. There are so many policy decisions Trump has made that I disagree with, I don’t have enough signs, but at the end of it all ‘no kings’ sums up how I feel about his leadership style. I don’t even blame Trump. He’s being exactly who he is. He will selfishly do what he wants unless someone stops him. He must be stopped before he ruins EVERYTHING good about America. Specifically … resettling refugees, AmeriCorps, Medicaid, national public lands and LGTQ rights.”— Loree Westbrooks

Fort Worth, Texas — “There were a couple of thousand people gathered peacefully but with many signs and lots of noise. It was exhilarating for me. I just felt the need to make a statement in person of all that is wrong with our current administration. This is what democracy looks like.” — Caroline Bell

Round Rock, Texas — “Our family participated in the No Kings protest because we believe collective action is needed to defend democracy and because God calls us to love our neighbors. We believe Christian nationalism, xenophobia and other threats to civil society demand strong resistance. We also participated because we wanted our kids to experience participating in democracy, to learn in part what solidarity and advocacy can look like, and because we believe faith is a verb. We observed people of all ages from toddlers to folks in their 80s gathered in positive unity. The protest was completely peaceful and nearly everyone that drove by the demonstration on the town square honked or waved in support of the message that authoritarianism has no place in the United States.” — Jonathan Davis

Louisville, Ky. — “About 4,000 to 5,000 peaceful and energized protestors. Many reasons to join in, among them: Immigrants who are not receiving due process, for the rule of law, and for democracy to survive and thrive for our children and grandchildren.” — Cheryl Davis

“I went to publicly take a stand against the tyranny trying to exert control over the U.S. Additionally, I wanted to let marginalized folks see a straight, white ally stand with them. I also wanted to be part of history, like those who protested segregation. Finally, today happens to be my 61st birthday. I hate that I share this date with him so this was my small way to reclaim the date. What I observed is hundreds of folks, some of whom are friends and colleagues, supporting each other in peaceful protest, to protect basic human rights and American freedoms. While anger was expressed via signs, chanting, clothing and speeches, the overall tone was encouraging, hopeful and supportive. I left feeling better about my country.” — Laura HA

Nashville, Tenn. — “I had a two-fer. Attending the Nashville rally in the a.m. (approximately 4,000) and one in Gallatin, Tenn. (300). Some young folk, a lot of older people; median age was probably 45 years old. All very peaceful, and an incredibly diverse array of signs. I was so pleased see to see that Tennessee is not 100% red.” — Jack Elston

St. Louis — “My 71-year-old dad in Kansas City told me he was going, and I thought I should too. Pretty upbeat. Lots of flags. A variety of signs. Lots of senior citizens and young adults. Mostly white.” — Christopher Fillingham

Fairbanks, Alaska — “I rearranged a travel schedule a little bit to be in Fairbanks in time for their action. Folks were in good spirits. I don’t know what size crowd they expected, but I think it was a successful event. I liked the fact that the event organizer was in contact by email before and after the event. Perhaps because it was in Alaska, I saw more statements regarding indigenous rights and protection of the natural world. There was less presence regarding LGBTQ issues.” — Karen Rogers

Lexington, Ky. — “Eleven folks from Faith Baptist in Georgetown, Ky., went to the rally in Lexington. Several of us had been to previous rallies, so we made signs. We stood along Main Street and chanted slogans with the crowd.” — Roger Ward

Flower Mound, Texas — “It was good to be able to DO something. I have felt so helpless. It was very encouraging to see that I am far from alone in my RED community. They may be louder (and ruder) but we still have a voice! Completely peaceful and joyful.” — Susan Latham McClelland

Kansas City — “I have been disturbed by this administration’s incompetence, dishonesty, cruelty and lust for power at the expense of the common good, and I want better for America. I observed a huge number of joyful, peaceful protesters. They showed up with boldness and good humor in spite of concerns about their safety. I also observed a very minimal law enforcement presence; the closest interaction I experienced or witnessed was a couple of police officers (I think from the city) controlling traffic to allow a march to pass through the street. It was a positive, safe environment.” — Michael Huerter

Durango, Colo. — “Great turnout. Very peaceful. I attended to show that I believe in democracy and human rights.” — Sue Riley

“It is important to me that in the future my grandsons know I did not sit by while democracy is in peril.”

Austin, Texas — “Because it’s important for our voices to be heard above the rhetoric that seems to prevail. It was a peaceful protest. A lot of police presence but we didn’t see any confrontations or arrest. The Capitol grounds were full and crowded. I participated because it is important to me that in the future my grandsons know I did not sit by while democracy is in peril.” — Ruth Durkee

Atlanta — “I participated because we have so much work to do before the next elections. I had already planned to go, then I saw what happened in LA this week, and the strikes by Israel and retaliation by Iran this week. We need competent leadership and we do not have it. My greatest concerns are that Trump is mentally, emotionally and intellectually unfit for this, is twice impeached, and a convicted felon himself, and wants to operate this country like a criminal organization. He is bent on retribution and revenge, which is unacceptable. His immigration policies are not about the law, but about racism. His attempts to reshape the government, enacting Project 2025, are un-American, but have the full support of the GOP. I could go on. He and the GOP must be stopped, and today was another opportunity, among many, to reaffirm American values, find support in community, and continue in the work for justice, liberty, equality and peace.” — Jennifer Hornbuckle

Granby, Colo. — “I participated to show I don’t approve of many actions by the current administration. About 340 people participated in our small town. A lot more than last time. People driving by were mostly supportive. Many fewer negative reactions than a month ago.” — Beth Weller

Ardmore, Okla. — “Small REPUBLICAN, fossil fuel company stronghold. Population 26,000. We had 212 people, all ages, and probably 100 cars. It was amazing!” — Patti Snider Rainey