Thousands of protesters gathered on the west steps of California’s Capitol on Saturday as part of a nationwide “No Kings” demonstration against the Trump administration, voicing frustration over the ongoing government shutdown and federal policies.The Sacramento Police Department estimated about 7,000 people crowded near 10th Street at the peak of the rally. Organizers of the “No Kings” movement said more than 7 million people participated in more than 2,600 events nationwide, from New York to Los Angeles.”I think it’s wrong to send our federal troops into our own cities. They have an entirely different purpose in this country,” said Mary Anne Cooper, 91, holding a sign that read, “My four brothers did not fight in World War II for this.””As a veteran, it’s a great honor. Everybody says, you know, ‘thank you for your service,’ which is great. I respond, ‘It’s my honor.’ Today, it’s my honor to be here,” said veteran Paul Carrillo.House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the demonstrations, calling them a “Hate America rally” and claiming — without evidence — that protesters were being paid to attend. Johnson also suggested the protests were contributing to the prolonged government shutdown.”We’ve got to do something to turn things around in this country. We’re on our way to an authoritarian regime, and only people showing up and showing support are going to make a difference,” said protester Michael Williams.U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, addressed the crowd from the west steps of the Capitol, prompting chants of “No Kings” from the audience.Large crowds also gathered in San Francisco, where demonstrators formed a “No Kings — Yes on 50″ human banner.”I’m crying for the pride of all these people gathered here and all over our country—the pride in the belief that our Constitution means something and that we all have the right to fight for what we believe in,” said protester Lauretta Mazur. “That is what makes my heart happy and sad at the same time — that we actually have to do this.”

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Thousands of protesters gathered on the west steps of California’s Capitol on Saturday as part of a nationwide “No Kings” demonstration against the Trump administration, voicing frustration over the ongoing government shutdown and federal policies.

The Sacramento Police Department estimated about 7,000 people crowded near 10th Street at the peak of the rally. Organizers of the “No Kings” movement said more than 7 million people participated in more than 2,600 events nationwide, from New York to Los Angeles.

“I think it’s wrong to send our federal troops into our own cities. They have an entirely different purpose in this country,” said Mary Anne Cooper, 91, holding a sign that read, “My four brothers did not fight in World War II for this.”

“As a veteran, it’s a great honor. Everybody says, you know, ‘thank you for your service,’ which is great. I respond, ‘It’s my honor.’ Today, it’s my honor to be here,” said veteran Paul Carrillo.

House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the demonstrations, calling them a “Hate America rally” and claiming — without evidence — that protesters were being paid to attend. Johnson also suggested the protests were contributing to the prolonged government shutdown.

“We’ve got to do something to turn things around in this country. We’re on our way to an authoritarian regime, and only people showing up and showing support are going to make a difference,” said protester Michael Williams.

U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, addressed the crowd from the west steps of the Capitol, prompting chants of “No Kings” from the audience.

Large crowds also gathered in San Francisco, where demonstrators formed a “No Kings — Yes on 50” human banner.

“I’m crying for the pride of all these people gathered here and all over our country—the pride in the belief that our Constitution means something and that we all have the right to fight for what we believe in,” said protester Lauretta Mazur. “That is what makes my heart happy and sad at the same time — that we actually have to do this.”