No Kings Day protests in the Phoenix area
Phoenix protesters say 'No Kings' protest felt like a celebration of beliefs
Thousands showed up to the "No Kings Day" protests at the Arizona State Capitol on Oct. 18, with many protesters saying it felt more like a celebration of beliefs, rather than a protest. FOX 10's Taylor Wirtz reports.
PHOENIX - No Kings Day protests have popped up around the Valley on Saturday, Oct. 18.
What we know:
Organizers say the No Kings Day rallies are a massive, single-day mobilization to reject what they call authoritarianism, "billionaire-first" politics, and the militarization of democracy under President Donald Trump.
More than 2,600 rallies were expected across the country by hundreds of coalition partners. Organizers state that most Americans will have a rally within a one-hour drive.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, there were between 14,000 and 15,000 protesters at the state capitol in Phoenix.
Local perspective:
Thousands took to the streets at the Arizona State Capitol to join the No Kings demonstrations as part of a national movement against President Trump's administration and policies.
Many protesters said it felt more like a celebration of beliefs than a protest.
"I think the main message of today is that people are united against illegal and totalitarian, authoritarian actions by the administration," said protester Willard. "So that's why it's called no kings, because he's not a king."
"Our country was founded on the principle of no kings," said protester Jason. "We broke away from a tyrannical rule."
Dig deeper:
From honks to cheers, to costumes, and signs, people in attendance found numerous ways to make their opinions against President Trump and on issues like immigration known.
"It's showing that people are tired of having freedoms taken away," Jason said. "It's about restoring the Constitution and the rule of law."
While any politically charged gathering in today's world comes with risks, attendees said the day was civil.
"We're together in this," Willard said. "And there is a feeling, a really feeling of togetherness, I think."
"I was really scared," Jason said. "But when I got here and I saw the people and I'm not alone in how I feel, it really gave me power today."
Some even went as far as to call it a celebration.
"It's fun," said protester Phyllis. "The mood is good and the mood is the people want to continue to live free in America."
What they're saying:
"I'm here for democracy. I'm here for the American way of life. I don't like kings. That's why we had a revolution in 1776. I'm sure you all remember that one," a protester said in Scottsdale. "Blatant breaking of the law. We have to have a system of law, or else we don't have democracy."
"I'm a patriot. I love America, I love the strength the constitution gave us. We're a nation of immigrants. Trump's trying to use the power he shouldn't have. We're all telling him what it is," another Scottsdale protester said.
No Kings Day: Protesters show up at Phoenix area events
No Kings Day protests are popping up around Phoenix, Scottsdale and Goodyear on Saturday, Oct. 18. FOX 10's Danielle Miller hears from protesters at the rallies that oppose President Donald Trump's administration.
The rally started as early as 11 a.m., but turnout remained strong for a few hours. And while many likened today to a sort of party, the main hope from those in attendance was to encourage everyone out there to vote.
No Kings Day: Arizona Capitol packed with protesters
Hundreds of people are at the Arizona Capitol on Saturday morning for the No Kings Day protest. They're rallying against the Trump administration while while the president says he is no "king."
The other side:
Trump's Republican Party has labeled the events "Hate America" rallies.
"They're referring to me as a king. I'm not a king," Trump told Fox Business about the protests.
Local perspective:
Protests in Phoenix were at the Arizona Capitol in downtown Phoenix, Goodyear and in Scottsdale near Fashion Square.