Largest Mass Demonstrations in Recent Years: No Kings Protests

Strategic Insights -

Huge crowds gathered across the country on Saturday, filling Times Square in New York, Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, and Grant Park in Chicago, among other venues, to protest President Donald Trump's immigration crackdowns, domestic military deployments, and efforts to target critics and political opponents. The demonstrations, part of the No Kings movement, drew nearly 7 million people, 2 million more than the first round of No Kings rallies in June. The protests remained largely peaceful, with many attendees donning costumes, holding up punny signs, and dancing to create a carnival atmosphere.

Key Takeaways:

  • The No Kings protests drew nearly 7 million people, 2 million more than the first round of No Kings rallies in June.
  • The protests remained largely peaceful, with organizers training "tens of thousands" of people in de-escalation techniques to avoid friction with law enforcement and counterprotesters.
  • Democratic elected officials, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Chris Murphy, participated in the protests, urging Republicans to "end this shutdown" and "come back from your month-long vacation."
  • Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso and House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McLain, demonized the protests, calling them "Hate America" rallies and claiming that attendees were unpatriotic.
  • The protests were organized by a coalition of groups, including Indivisible and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
  • The No Kings movement is named after protesters' stated belief that Trump is behaving like a monarch, with unchecked powers.
  • Veterans Affairs Secretary Douglas A. Collins, a Republican, mocked the protesters, saying "Good Morning to my fellow Americans who are celebrating No Kings Day today. While most of us celebrate this reality on July Fourth, you do you!"

Statistics:

  • 7 million people attended the No Kings protests, estimated by organizers.
  • 2 million more people attended the No Kings protests than the first round of No Kings rallies in June.
  • 10,000 people were trained in de-escalation techniques by the protest organizers.
  • 7% of the total U.S. population attended the No Kings protests.
  • 350,000 people attended the No Kings rally in Chicago.
  • 200,000 people attended the No Kings rally in Washington, D.C.

Sources:

  • [The Washington Post]
  • [The New York Times]
  • Indivisible
  • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
  • Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont)
  • Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut)
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana)
  • Veterans Affairs Secretary Douglas A. Collins
  • Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyoming)
  • House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McLain (R-Michigan)