On Saturday, more than 1,500 “No Kings Day” protests are set to take place across the United States, opposing President Trump and his policies in response to the military’s 250th anniversary parade in Washington D.C. The organizers have emphasized that there will be no demonstrations in the nation’s capital. It is estimated that the number of protesters in New York City alone may exceed 75,000. The New York City police have increased their presence for the protests on Saturday, emphasizing the maintenance of peaceful demonstrations while taking a zero-tolerance approach towards any violence.
The protests are organized by a grassroots group called the “50501 Movement,” symbolizing “50 states, 50 protests, one movement.” The organization has mobilized citizens nationwide through the NoKings.org website to respond to what they perceive as the escalating authoritarianism of the Trump administration.
New York City Mayor Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated on Friday that thousands of officers have been deployed for Saturday’s protests and that a “zero-tolerance” policy will be in place for any violent or illegal activities.
“We uphold the right to peaceful protest but do not tolerate violence, destruction, or illegal behavior,” emphasized Mayor Adams, while Commissioner Tisch added, “Those who attack police or public property will face swift and decisive law enforcement action.”
The NYPD and Port Authority Police have reinforced their presence on the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, as well as at bus terminals and PATH stations to prevent any unforeseen incidents.
Police have also intensified protection for religious, cultural, and diplomatic institutions throughout the city in response to recent escalation between Israel and Iran.
The protest march in New York City will kick off from Bryant Park in Manhattan at 2 p.m., proceeding along Fifth Avenue to Madison Square Park. Meanwhile, Columbia University will host a gathering of faculty, students, and alumni, and protests will also take place in Brooklyn and Queens at Grand Army Plaza and MacDonald Park respectively.
On the other side, the protest organizers emphasize that all activities will adhere to non-violent principles and urge participants to “stay on the sidewalks and not block traffic.” The website requires participants to register their names, email, and phone numbers in advance, committing to “responding to conflicts in a de-escalating manner to avoid confrontation.”
Apart from New York City, actions are also planned in the Long Island region, Weehawken, Yonkers, and Jersey City in New Jersey.
This large-scale protest coincides with President Trump’s 79th birthday and the military parade he spearheaded. The parade, which will showcase military attire, weapons, tanks, and aircraft from the American Revolutionary War to the present day, will take place along the National Mall in Washington D.C. Protesters criticize this event as “Trump’s personal show of dominance.”