The No Kings Protests In Pictures Nationwide

Powerful stories from around the nation, inspiring signs at the No Kings protests, and a tragic reminder of the political violence we face

Across the nation, the people rose up for justice today.

From the coastlines of California to the quiet towns of New Jersey, from purple suburbs in the Pacific Northwest to the soulful streets of Memphis, to the former capitol of the Confederacy in Richmond, VA, millions of Americans stood up this weekend. They stood up not just for themselves, but for our collective right to live in a democracy—free from fascism, intimidation, and unchecked power.

These were the No Kings protests. But the day started with brutal political violence against Democratic politicians in Minnesota—a stark reminder of the work that remains before us, and why we must continue to raise our voice for justice for all. Let’s Address This.

I launched Let’s Address This with the goal of elevating stories the corporate press ignores. On June 14, I asked folks across the country to share their experiences, images, and truths from the No Kings rallies. What came back was overwhelming: a reminder that we are not alone, and that courage multiplies in community. I wish I could share the hundreds of responses I received. Here’s an inspiring cross section of how our fellow Americans rose up. The final story is of a courageous woman who faced extremists who tried to intimidate them into silence—but failed.

Kirkland, WA: Sarah Anderson reported a crowd of over 5,000 in a Seattle suburb that leans politically purple. This was not a partisan rally—it was a people rally. Peaceful, powerful, engaged. "This is what democracy looks like," she wrote.

North Ben, WA: Lisa shared that she attended the No Kings protest in North Bend, where about 400 people gathered. This was about twice as large as expected, and in a known conservative town. Definitely a good sign of Americans standing united against kings.

Chula Vista, CA: Heading south of Washington, Lisa shared vivid photos of the Southern California protest. Diversity. Determination. Dignity.

Lambertville, NJ: Karin sent word from a masterfully coordinated card stunt initially intended for 200 people. Over 1,100 showed up. The cards? They were transported afterward to a solidarity rally on a Delaware beach.

Kansas City, MO: Arthur Benson said it best: "The turnout must’ve been five times greater than the last protest here." The streets echoed with the spirit of Woody Guthrie's “All You Fascists Bound to Lose,” as signs decried Trump’s immigration brutality.

Asheville, NC: Cyn shared that their protest was mellow and peaceful, with an estimated 6,000 people in attendance. Given that Asheville’s population is only 95,000, the fact that some 6,000 thoughtful activists attended is significant.

Richmond, VA: Mim Scalin and friends set up their protest right in front of a neighbor’s house—a small group of five, including someone with mobility challenges who couldn’t attend the Capitol rally. Cars honked. Neighbors waved. Mim said it best: "We were few in number, but grateful to be together to say NO to kings."

And then there was Memphis.

Memphis, TN: Anna and her husband attended a peaceful protest. They walked a mile back to their car, holding a sign that read: "No Nazis. No KKK. No Kings in the USA." As they neared their vehicle, two older men approached them, pretending to be confused. After a short exchange, Anna and her husband recognized a Project Appleseed insignia on the men’s shirts. What followed was a clear attempt at surveillance and intimidation. The men followed them, circled back, filmed them, and parked behind them—despite the fact the protest had ended and they were nearly a mile away.

Anna did not back down. She documented everything. She returned to protest organizers and media to report what happened—and later caught the same men photographing and filming peaceful protestors from their car. Anna’s courage in the face of extremism is commendable and inspiring. My gratitude and kudos to Anna for stepping up—this is what getting into good trouble looks like.

UPDATE: Armed & Dangerous Fugitive at Large

These protests weren't just symbolic. They were prophetic. Because while millions nationwide gathered to decry Trump’s autocracy, news broke of a deadly political attack in Minnesota.

Authorities in Minnesota have identified 57-year-old Vance Boelter as the alleged murderer who killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and shot Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Hoffman and his wife are currently hospitalized. My deepest condolences to all those impacted by this horrific act of political violence.

Boelter is reportedly impersonating law enforcement and remains at large, armed and extremely dangerous. A kill list found in his car includes names of Democratic lawmakers, abortion-care providers, and Rep. Ilhan Omar and Gov. Tim Walz.

If you have information on Boelter’s whereabouts, please contact the MN state tip line at (651) 555-TIPS.

MN authorities have identified Vance Boelter (57) as the alleged murderer

A Final Note

The No Kings protests are not just a political moment—they are a moral one. We are standing against tyranny, fascism, and the normalization of political violence.

What we’re doing matters. And I’ll keep documenting every story, every moment of resistance, every truth they want to suppress. But I need your support to keep building. Join us. Subscribe at www.qasimrashid.com/subscribe. I encourage you to continue to support independent voices that puts people over profit, justice over power, and democracy over kings.