Hundreds of thousands of No Kings Day demonstrators are expected to take to the streets for what some believe will be the largest day of protest in modern U.S. history. Will historians remember it as peaceful or could violence make the day even more unforgettable?
Organizers say they're prepared to ensure the day's events avoid violence, even as political rhetoric characterizes demonstrators as being aligned with terrorist forces.
This weekend’s demonstrations mark the second wave of “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump’s administration, as well as to celebrate First Amendment rights. The first wave of nationwide demonstrations, held June 14, drew between 2 million and 4.8 million people, according to estimates.
"This protest is no threat to national security, as has been ludicrously claimed," said Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, among multiple groups coordinating the rallies. "Protest is a sign of our freedom.... It's what made our country stronger for 250 years."
While protest is an American hallmark, history shows demonstrations aren't always free of violence, from the clashes of the 1960s demanding equality and an end to war to the outbursts of the 2010s and early 2020s decrying police brutality nationwide.
