A federal worker, who requested to not use their identify for fears over shedding their job, protests with an indication saying “Federal Employees Don’t Work for Kings” in the course of the “No Kings Day” protest on Presidents Day , Feb. 17, 2025, close to the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)(AP)
A flagship “No Kings” march and rally are deliberate in Philadelphia, however no occasions are scheduled to happen in Washington, D.C., the place the army parade will happen on Trump’s birthday
The demonstrations are gaining extra gasoline from protests flaring up across the nation over federal immigration enforcement raids and Trump ordering National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles the place protesters blocked a freeway and set automobiles on fireplace.
Police responded with tear fuel, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades whereas officers enforced curfews in Los Angeles and Democratic governors known as Trump’s Guard deployment “an alarming abuse of power” that “reveals the Trump administration doesn’t belief native regulation enforcement.”
Governors and metropolis officers vowed to guard the suitable to protest and to indicate no tolerance for violence.
Republican governors in Virginia, Texas, Nebraska and Missouri are mobilizing National Guard troops to assist regulation enforcement handle demonstrations.
There might be “zero tolerance” for violence, destruction or disrupting site visitors, and “if you violate the law, you’re going to be arrested,” Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin advised reporters Friday.
In Missouri, Gov. Mike Kehoe issued an identical message, vowing to take a proactive strategy and to not “anticipate chaos to ensue.”
Nebraska’s governor on Friday additionally signed an emergency proclamation for activating his state’s National Guard, a step his workplace known as “a precautionary measure in reaction to recent instances of civil unrest across the country.”
Organizers say that one march will go to the gates of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, the place Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis warned demonstrators that the “line is very clear” and to not cross it.
Governors additionally urged calm.
On social media, Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, known as for peaceable protests over the weekend, to make sure Trump would not ship army to the state.
“Donald Trump wants to be able to say that we cannot handle our own public safety in Washington state,” Ferguson mentioned.
In an announcement Friday, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, urged “protestors to remain peaceful and calm as they exercise their First Amendment right to make their voices heard.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, mentioned his administration and state police are working with police in Philadelphia forward of what organizers estimate could possibly be a crowd approaching 100,000 folks.
Philadelphia’s high prosecutor, District Attorney Larry Krasner, warned that anybody coming to Philadelphia to interrupt the regulation or immigration brokers exceeding their authority will face arrest. He invoked civil rights chief Martin Luther King Jr. as a information for demonstrators.
“If you might be doing what Martin Luther King would have executed, you are going to be high quality,” Krasner advised a information convention.
Some regulation enforcement companies introduced they have been ramping up efforts for the weekend. In California, state troopers might be on “tactical alert,” which suggests all days off are cancelled for all officers.
Why is it known as ‘No Kings’?
The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, to help democracy and towards what they name the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The identify 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one motion.
Protests earlier this yr have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Protesters have known as for Trump to be “dethroned” as they examine his actions to that of a king and never a democratically elected president.
Why are they protesting on Saturday?
The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the nation’s democracy, in keeping with an announcement by organizers.
Organizers intend for the protests to counter the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration — which Trump has ratcheted as much as embody a army parade, which is estimated to price $25 million to $45 million that the Army expects to draw as many as 200,000 folks.
The occasion will function a whole lot of army automobiles and plane and hundreds of troopers. It additionally occurs to be Trump’s 79th birthday and Flag Day.
“The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,” the “No Kings” web site says. “On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
What is deliberate on the ‘No Kings’ protests?
Protests in practically 2,000 places are scheduled across the nation, from metropolis blocks to small cities, from courthouse steps to neighborhood parks, organizers mentioned.
Demonstrations are anticipated to incorporate speeches and marches, organizers mentioned in a name Wednesday. The group says a core precept behind all “No Kings” occasions is a dedication to nonviolent motion, and contributors are anticipated to hunt to de-escalate any confrontation.
No weapons of any form ought to be taken to “No Kings” occasions, in keeping with the web site.
How many individuals are anticipated to take part?
The No Kings Day of Defiance is anticipated to be the biggest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to workplace, organizers mentioned. Organizers mentioned they’re getting ready for tens of millions of individuals to take to the streets throughout all 50 states and commonwealths.
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