Countless protesters filled the streets in numerous cities across the United States this past Saturday, manifesting their disapproval of President Donald Trump. The campaigns titled as ‘No Kings’ reported participation in the millions, as demonstrations took place in hundreds of locations.
In the northwestern state of Oregon, a massive crowd estimated to be in tens of thousands assembled in Portland’s city center. There were two main demonstrations, one at Tom McCall Waterfront Park and another near the Oregon Convention Center. Large-scale demonstrations weren’t confined to the city; the protests extended to cities and suburbs around the state.
Prominent political figures were present too, with U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Oregon, participating in a protest in Clackamas County near Clackamas Town Center mall. Meanwhile, in the southern part of the state, around 3,000 individuals took to the streets in Medford, as per the police estimates.
In an unexpected setting, thousands gathered at the capitol building in Boise, Idaho, a state that gave President Trump a sweeping victory with nearly 70% of the vote in his favor. Despite the deep political divisions, the protest in Boise saw a large number attending.
State governors across the U.S. pleaded for peace and assured zero tolerance for any violent behavior. Some went as far as to deploy the National Guard in preparation for the planned protests. Although most protesters maintained decorum, sporadic altercations were reported.
Meanwhile, vibrant and energetic multitudes took to the streets in cities including New York, Denver, Chicago, Austin, and Los Angeles. Many were seen marching, dancing, drumming, and chanting in unison, some following ‘no kings’ banners to voice their dissent.
Atlanta’s demonstration, with a capacity for 5,000, quickly overflowed, seeing thousands more gathering outside of the arranged area to hear orators in front of the state Capitol. In Seattle, city officials estimated attendance of over 70,000 people at their largest downtown rally.
President Trump was in Washington, attending a military parade commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary. In this politically charged atmosphere, symbolic gestures were abundant; miniature American flags were distributed, and in some areas, flags were flown inverted as a distress signal.
A troubling incident occurred in Culpepper, Virginia, where a person was hit by an SUV. The driver, allegedly a 21-year-old male, was accused of intentionally accelerating his vehicle into the crowd as they were dispersing after the rally. The individual now faces charges of reckless driving.
Protesters deployed different creative methods to express their disapproval. In one instance, a woman, donning a foam crown resembling the Statue of Liberty, initiated an anti-Trump song by modifying the lyrics of the popular song ‘Y.M.C.A.’.
In front of City Hall, thousands convened, displaying signs and listening to a Native American drum circle before proceeding on their march. As demonstrators passed Marines, the majority of interactions were amicable, although there were a few who expressed discontent.
Among the sea of protesters was Peter Varadi, 54, who disclosed that he had voted for Trump previously due to ‘economic reasons’. Now, he expressed his dissatisfaction by demonstrating for the first time, carrying a flag combining Mexican and U.S. symbols.
In Austin, Texas, a protest proceeded as scheduled at the Texas Capitol, despite an earlier shutdown due to a potential ‘credible threat’ against Democratic lawmakers. The Department of Public Safety declared that one individual was detained concerning threats directed at lawmakers. On a lighter note, some demonstrators donned tinfoil crowns, while others prodded motorists with their signs reading ‘Honk if you never text war plans.’ Melissa Johnson journeyed an hour and a half from her home to Jackson, as she felt compelled to stand up for what she believes is the fading democracy in her country.
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