Big crowds of protesters are expected to gather across North Carolina on Saturday, joining nationwide demonstrations against what they describe as President Donald Trump’s abuse of power
This marks the second “No Kings” protest and the third mass movement against the administration this year.
In June, thousands of North Carolinians participated in the first “No Kings Day,” taking to the streets across the Triangle and statewide. These demonstrations occurred ahead of the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration in Washington, D.C., and coincidentally on President Trump’s birthday.
Chopper11 is over the ‘No Kings Day’ protest in downtown Durham
Some conservative politicians have condemned the protests as “Hate America” rallies, while others view them as a patriotic fight for First Amendment rights.
Ezra Levin, a leading organizer of Saturday’s protests and co-executive director of the nonprofit Indivisible, described the demonstrations as a response to Trump’s “crackdown on First Amendment rights.”
Levin highlighted Trump’s immigration policies, promises to use federal power to influence midterm elections, restrictions on press freedom, and retaliation against political opponents.
Protests are planned at over 2,500 locations nationwide, amid an escalating tensions between federal law enforcement and protesters nationwide.
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson released a statement for those who are participating on Oct. 18:
“Peaceful protest is one of the most important rights we have as Americans. It’s how people make their voices heard and stand up for what they believe in. I encourage everyone who chooses to demonstrate to do so peacefully and to look out for one another’s safety. Protesting peacefully honors both the cause and the Constitution. Peaceful protest strengthens our democracy; violence undermines it.”
First ‘No Kings’ protests
The previous “No Kings” protest on June 14 spanned thousands of cities and towns nationwide. While largely peaceful, isolated confrontations occurred.
In Los Angeles, police used tear gas and crowd-control munitions to disperse protesters after the formal event ended. Similar tactics were employed in Portland, where officers fired tear gas and projectiles at a crowd protesting outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building.
One protester was killed during the Salt Lake City march in June. A safety volunteer shot at a person allegedly pointing a rifle at demonstrators, but inadvertently struck and killed protester Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a beloved fashion designer.
Mixed response from elected officials
The protests have drawn sharp criticism from some political leaders. House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled the event a “Hate America rally” during a news conference on Wednesday.
Some state leaders, like Texas’ Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, have decided to activate the National Guard ahead of the protests.
“Texas will deter criminal mischief and work with local law enforcement to arrest anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property,” Abbott said in a statement.
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom struck a more optimistic tone, saying he hopes Californians turn out in large numbers and remain peaceful. He said Trump “hopes there is disruption, there’s some violence” that he can exploit.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Note: Featured video is from a previous report.
