LOS ANGELES – Hundreds of “No Kings Day” protests are planned across the U.S. — including in Southern California — on Saturday, Oct. 18 to protest the Trump administration’s policies.
“No Kings Day 2”
The backstory:
Organizers describe No Kings as a “nationwide day of defiance.”
The last No Kings event, held on June 15, was scheduled to coincide with two events: the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, which featured a large military parade in Washington, D.C., and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
The demonstrations came on the heels of the protests over the federal immigration enforcement raids and Trump ordering the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles, where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire.
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Amid signs reading “They fear us don’t back down California” and “We carry dreams not danger, ” one demonstrator carried a 2-foot-tall Trump pinata on a stick, with a crown on his head and sombrero hanging off his back. Another hoisted a huge helium-filled orange baby balloon with blond hair styled like Trump’s.
A few blocks from City Hall, protesters gathered in front of the downtown federal detention center being guarded by a line of Marines and other law enforcement. It was the first time that the Marines, in combat gear and holding rifles, appeared at a demonstration since they were deployed to city with the stated mission of defending federal property.
The previously calm demonstration turned confrontational as police on horseback moved into the crowd and struck some people with wood rods and batons as they cleared the street in front of the federal building.
Hundreds of “No Kings Day” protests are underway across the U.S. – including in California – on Saturday, June 14 to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Tear gas and crowd-control munitions were used to clear out protesters.
‘President Trump has doubled down’
What they’re saying:
“President Trump has doubled down. His administration is sending masked agents into our streets, terrorizing our communities. They are targeting immigrant families, profiling, arresting and detaining people without warrants. Threatening to overtake elections. Gutting healthcare, environmental protections, and education when families need them most. Rigging maps to silence voters. Ignoring mass shootings at our schools and in our communities. Driving up the cost of living while handing out massive giveaways to billionaire allies, as families struggle,” the No Kings website reads.
“The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty.”
“Because this country does not belong to kings, dictators, or tyrants. It belongs to We the People – the people who care, who show up, and the ones who fight for dignity, a life we can afford, and real opportunity. No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.”
Downtown Los Angeles is under a curfew for a fourth night after more than a week of protests. Mayor Karen Bass praised what was mostly peaceful protests on Saturday for No Kings day.
Protests planned across Southern California
Local perspective:
Here are some of the demonstrations planned in Southern California on Oct. 18:
Alhambra: 10 a.m. to noon at Alhambra ParkAliso Viejo: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The CommonsBakersfield: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Millcreek ParkBeverly Hills: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Roxbury ParkBurbank: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln ParkCathedral City: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Avenue Lalo GuerreroCovina: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Heritage Plaza ParkEl Segundo: 10 a.m. to noon at El Segundo signGlendale: Noon to 2 p.m. at Public Plaza outside Social Security OfficeHemet: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Democracy CenterHollywood: Noon to 3:30 p.m. at Hollywood Blvd. and N. Vermont Ave.Lakewood: Noon to 2 p.m. at Lakewood City HallLake Elsinore: 10 a.m. to noon at all four corners of the Dexter and Central intersectionLong Beach: Noon to 3:45 p.m. at Ocean and JuniperoLos Angeles: 10 a.m. to noon at Unidad Park and Community GardenLynwood: Noon to 2:30 p.m. at Atlantic Ave. and Imperial Hwy intersectionMalibu: Noon to 1 p.m. at Malibu LibraryNorthridge: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CSUN statueOntario: Noon to 2 p.m. at Euclid Avenue median, Bandstand to HoltOrange: 10 a.m. to noon at Yorba Park and Green Space (adjacent to Orange Dog Park)Palm Springs: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Sunrise ParkPasadena: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Pasadena City HallRancho Cucamonga: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Rancho Cucamonga City Hall and City Council ChambersTopanga: 1 p.m. to 3p.m. at United States Postal ServiceVentura: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ventura County Government CenterSan Diego: 10 a.m. to noon at Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Centennial ParkSanta Barbara: Noon to 3 p.m. at Alameda ParkSanta Clarita: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Good Trouble CornerSanta Monica: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Palisades ParkSherman Oaks: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sherman Oaks GalleriaTemecula: 10 a.m. to noon at Temecula Duck PondVictorville: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Victorville Park and RideWhittier: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Whittier City HallWoodland Hills: 10 a.m. to noon at Westfield Topanga Mall NE corner of Topanga Canyon and Victory Boulevard
To see a map and find a demonstration near you, visit nokings.org.
One of the coordinators of the No Kings protest in downtown Los Angeles said that police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at peaceful protesters, and said he was disappointed with the “level of state violence against civilians.”
What’s the story behind the “No Kings” movement?
Dig deeper:
The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country’s democracy, according to a statement by organizers.
The theme “No Kings” is meant to protest the rise of authoritarianism and political violence in the United States, organizers said.
People of all ages are expected to come together in the protest locations for speeches, marching, carrying signs and waving American flags.
To learn more about the “No Kings” movement, visit nokings.org.
The Source: This article’s information is based on public statements from the “No Kings” movement’s website and on-the-ground observations of protest activities in Los Angeles. The background and context of the movement are sourced from organizers.
Donald J. TrumpPoliticsLos AngelesVentura CountyInland EmpireRiverside CountySan Bernardino CountyLos Angeles CountyImmigrationInstastoriesCalifornia