The “No Kings” rallies have become more organized and connected to community groups that have joined the movement. A priority is keeping the peace at events along with the safety of thousands of demonstrators.
Safety checks began early Saturday at Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego. San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies led law enforcement efforts that also included Harbor Police, and San Diego Police officers.
Hundreds of volunteers showed up to protect and serve the community, too.
“Keep your eyes on everything that’s going on around you,” said Jill Lemons, coordinator of first aid, as she briefed a team of more than 25 volunteers on the lawn of the County Administration building.
They were all Red Cross-certified and ready to respond to both physical and emotional needs.
“We’ve actually had people overwhelmed, crying — very excited because it’s nice to be within community,” said Lemons. “Anything more than first aid, we do call 9-1-1, and we have in the past.”
M.G. PerezM.G. Perez
Jill Lemons (center), first aid coordinator, briefed volunteers, Saturday morning, outside the County Administration building, March 28, 2026.
In addition to medical support, organizers deployed about 50 trained peacekeepers tasked with monitoring crowd flow and preventing dangerous congestion on the streets.
“We don’t want gaps and we don’t want people to get crammed together … like what happened for ‘No Kings 2,’” said peacekeeper coordinator Dan Steussy.
Volunteers like retiree Larry Stowell say experience and patience are key when tensions rise.
“You stand back … give some time to see what’s happening with the altercation … breathe a little bit, relax and decide if you want to get involved or not,” Stowell said.
The effort to maintain safety spans generations. Younger volunteers also stepped into leadership roles while supporting fellow demonstrators.
Sixteen-year-old Asher Swazey, a student at Canyon Crest Academy, handed out food and water to marchers.
“I find food as a happy place for me. Just knowing that we have this for them, we’re caring for them, helps build a caring environment,” he said.
M.G. PerezM.G. Perez
Asher Swazey, 16, is a sophomore at Canyon Crest Academy. He considers himself a student activist, who supported other students, Saturday, serving them food and water, March 28, 2026.
Together, organizers say these behind-the-scenes efforts are critical to protecting those on the front lines of the demonstration — ensuring the focus remains on the message, not the risks.
Eden Yaege, an attorney from Pacific Beach, decided to put on an orange safety vest and volunteer after completing her online training.
“This has always been a safe and family-friendly event, and I want to keep it that way,” Yaege said. “Hopefully, by people being here and expecting it to be peaceful, we do keep it that way.”