No Kings Protests Are Spreading Across America

Massive crowds took place everywhere around America, Oct. 18, all unified for one cause: No Kings. Thousands packed New York City’s Times Square and all across the country, with people holding signs with slogans like “Democracy not Monarchy” and “The Constitution is not optional.”

Several US states had mobilised the National Guard. But organisers said the events, which drew nearly seven million people, were peaceful. Since returning to the Presidency in January, Donald Trump has expanded his presidential power by using executive orders to deploy National Guard troops to US cities despite objections by state governors.

Trump said his actions are necessary to rebuild a country in crisis and has dismissed accusations that he is behaving like a dictator. Many critics warn that some of the moves by his administration are unconstitutional and a threat to American democracy. When Trump was interviewed by Fox News about the protests, he said, “A king! This is not an act, you know – they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.”

In NYC, sections of the crowd regularly erupted into chants of, “This is what democracy looks like,” as a somewhat constant drumbeat boomed in the background. Helicopters and drones were flying overhead, and police stood on the sidelines. The New York Police Department said more than 100,000 people had gathered, and no protest-related arrests were made.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated his state’s National Guard and said they would be needed due to the “planned antifa-linked demonstration” in Austin. About 30,000 people attended the Austin protest, which remained peaceful. Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin also ordered the state National Guard to be activated, though reports said troops were not present at the protest.

Millions of people are coming together to protest in America. All being peaceful, people are even trusting the protests enough to bring their children. Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, slammed the protests as a “Hate America rally,” and other Republicans have said the actions were anti-American.

Inspired by protesters in Portland, OR, many cities have shown up to march and protest in inflatable animal costumes. Song and dance broke out in Salt Lake City, UT, and other cities. People are doing anything to be peaceful and as non-threatening as possible. BBC, No Kings