Thousands rally at California Capitol for “No Kings” protest, rejecting authoritarianism and demanding accountability from Washington, D.C.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Thousands of demonstrators gathered at the California State Capitol on Saturday morning for one of Sacramento’s largest “No Kings” protests yet. Sacramento Police estimated roughly 7,000 people attended the peaceful rally, which filled the west steps and surrounding streets.
Organizers with Indivisible Sacramento say this second “No Kings” protest was aimed at sending a unified message to Washington, D.C., particularly to leaders in the White House.
“We reject the notion that we are helpless in the face of what we see as an authoritarian consolidation,” said Ellen Chapman with Indivisible Sacramento.
Many at the rally voiced frustration with recent actions by the federal government.
“There’s a lot of issues. I mean, ICE and what they’re doing, profiling people and not giving due process and just zip tying them up and taking them away,” said Michael Stavros, a protestor from Sacramento.
“One of the biggest problems is the way he’s sending in armed forces to United States cities because he doesn’t like their politics,” added Sandy Kaul from El Dorado County.
As the government shutdown continues, several attendees said they were worried about rising Covered California premiums and the uncertainty surrounding health care subsidies.
“The [issues] that most directly affect my family are issues related to health care and what’s going to happen to the Affordable Care Act subsidies,” said Cheryl Spaulding from Sacramento.
Another major topic among protestors was Proposition 50 and the ongoing redistricting debate. While critics say the measure could harm rural communities, many in attendance expressed strong support for it.
“We see it as our last best hope to have fair elections in the midterms. And it was triggered by the Texas redistricting,” said Chapman.
Community leaders from faith, education, and business groups also took the stage, joined by elected officials including Democratic Congresswoman Doris Matsui.
“It shows us, shows them, my colleagues, who may be afraid to speak, that there are a lot of us out here, and we are listening to our constituents,” Rep. Matsui said.
Some Republican leaders have criticized the “No Kings” protests, describing them as “Hate America” rallies, but local organizers pushed back on that characterization.
“They’re not hate rallies. People are here because they love their country and they are standing up for what they believe,” Chapman said.
Following the program, protestors marched through downtown Sacramento streets, chanting, waving signs, and calling for what they described as accountability and democracy.
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