Demonstrators said their motivation to protest stemmed from deep concerns over the direction of the country under President Trump.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A wave of activism swept through Western New York Saturday as thousands gathered in Buffalo’s Niagara Square and in communities like Batavia and Williamsville to participate in the nationwide “No Kings Day” demonstration, a protest against authoritarianism, inequality, and threats to civil liberties.
Chants of “This is What Democracy Looks Like” echoed across the Queen City as demonstrators called for unity, action, and accountability from the administration of President Donald Trump. Participants carried signs and marched in solidarity with over 2,000 cities nationwide, amplifying concerns over healthcare, human rights, immigration policy, and more.
“Here I stand with all of you, screaming no kings,” shouted one speaker to a bustling crowd in Niagara Square.
The event was led by community organizers like Buffalo native Kate Powers, who emphasized the importance of solidarity in uncertain times.
“The mission and the purpose is to remind people that they are not alone,” said Powers. “If they are afraid, if they are concerned about what is happening — a lot of their neighbors feel the same way.”
Demonstrators said their motivation to protest stemmed from deep concerns over the direction of the country under President Trump. Concerns like the recent government shutdown, aggressive immigration enforcement, and the deployment of National Guard units in cities across the U.S., protesters told 2 On Your Side.
“People are hurt, people are afraid, and people are angry,” Powers continued. “They’re seeing their fundamental rights abridged… and they’re saying we’re not okay with that.”
The crowd was a diverse cross-section of Western New York — from veterans to young families.
“We have to fight for our country,” said Bill Vahoviak, a Vietnam veteran. “We have to fight for our Constitution.”
“I think it’s important for my kids to see what democracy looks like in action,” added Tracy Fox, standing with her children among the crowd.
Other concerns raised at the demonstration ranged from the potential end of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which could result in increased premium costs, cuts to certain healthcare plans, to food assistance programs and broader calls for peace.
Theresa Johnson said she was fighting for her grandkids, who rely on WIC, the USDA’s supplemental nutrition program. “I’m fighting for Medicaid, food stamps. I’m fighting for peace. We want peace.”
“Our healthcare workers can’t afford any more cuts,” said Shameka Burnette-Matthews, a union organizer with 1199 SEIU, who cited proposed reductions in health services.
“No Kings Day” is the second large-scale demonstration of its kind in the region this year, with similar rallies having taken place across Western New York in recent months.
While many hailed the day as a vital expression of democratic resistance, not everyone agreed. Critics — including some Republicans in Washington, including Representatives Claudia Tenney and Nick Langworthy — dismissed the demonstrations.
In a message posted the morning of the rally, Congresswoman Tenney said, “To everyone marching at the ‘No Kings’ protest: You supported Biden’s rule-by-decree presidency. You defended censorship, mandates, and lawless power grabs. You’re not against kings, you’re mad yours lost his crown.”
Congressman Nick Langworthy added in his own statement to 2 On Your Side, “Trump Derangement syndrome is a real disease.”
Neither addressed the concerns expressed by the crowds.
For those who filled Niagara Square and various other Western New York communities, they said they were undeterred by attempts to undermine their cause and said their efforts were just beginning.