Millions of people joined the third series of No Kings protests across the United States on Saturday. Organisers estimate that over 8 million people attended rallies in more than 3,000 locations.
Demonstrators gathered in major hubs like Washington DC and New York. Residents in smaller towns in Tennessee and New York State also participated. These rallies focused on several issues including immigration tactics and military operations.
Nationwide calls for policy shifts
The protests aimed to challenge what critics describe as authoritarian tendencies within the administration. In Providence, Rhode Island, over 35,000 people marched past City Hall, carrying banners calling for the protection of voting rights.
In Minnesota, high-profile Democrats and musician Bruce Springsteen joined crowds in Saint Paul. This specific rally highlighted the deaths of two citizens killed by federal agents in January.
Protesters also voiced concerns regarding economic issues and rising living costs. In Canton, New York, nearly 1,000 residents lined Main Street to highlight cuts to education.
Government and law enforcement response
A White House spokesperson dismissed the events as “Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions”. President Donald Trump has previously denied acting like a king. He stated his actions are necessary to rebuild the country. However, the protests have coincided with an ongoing government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.
Most demonstrations remained peaceful, although authorities reported some incidents. In Los Angeles, federal law enforcement made arrests following scuffles near a federal building. Scuffles were also reported in Dallas when counter-protesters blocked a march.
Despite these events, organisers are already planning further actions for April. They hope these No Kings rallies will encourage higher voter turnout in future elections.
Image via ABC.
