Charlottesville joined thousands of cities nationwide with a June 14 No Kings Day rally that saw about 6,800 people protesting along US 29 by The Shops at Stonefield. No Kings Day coincided with a military parade commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Millions of Americans participated in Saturday’s demonstrations, according to estimates by PBS. Charlottesville’s rally was organized by Indivisible Charlottesville, which also put together the local Hands-Off protest near the Tesla showroom at The Shops at Stonefield in April.
Protesters in Charlottesville, and across the United States, carried signs condemning the concentration of power in the executive branch under Trump. Several posters displayed variations on “NO KINGS IN AMERICA.” Others mentioned Trump specifically, including one sign that had an image of the president with a Hitler ’stache and the word “NOPE” below it.
While demonstrations were largely nonviolent, lawmakers asked Minnesotans not to attend the No Kings rally at the state Capitol following the assassination of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the attempted murder of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. Fliers for No Kings events were found in the shooter’s car while he was still at large. Despite the warnings, tens of thousands gathered in St. Paul at the Capitol to protest the Trump administration.
Nearby, a Culpeper man was charged with “intentionally” driving his SUV into protesters leaving a No Kings Day event. One person was struck by the vehicle, but no life-threatening injuries were reported. Twenty-one-year-old Joseph Checklick Jr. was arrested by officers at the scene.
No Kings Day was the largest single-day demonstration against Trump since his January 20 inauguration.
Thousands of people protested at Charlottesville’s June 14 No Kings Day demonstration, showing their opposition to President Donald Trump with signs, apparel, and chants. The rally, organized by Indivisible Charlottesville, was part of a nationwide 50501 event (50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement), which drew millions of Americans. Photos: Eze Amos.
