Thousands of people gathered at the Texas Capitol on Saturday to participate in a “No Kings Day” protest, part of a nationwide movement to push back against policies linked to the Trump administration.
Local organizers and representatives, including Democratic Reps. Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett of Austin, spoke at the Capitol.
Doggett placed blame on Trump and congressional Republicans for the ongoing government shutdown. He also urged participants to get involved in the upcoming November election.
“Now is the time for each person to personally engage,” he said. “The ultimate check on tyranny is found at the ballot box.”
Kennedy Weatherby
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KUT News
Morgan-Starr Flores, left, and Alicia Marisol Menders, right, lead chants as they march down Congress Avenue during the No Kings protest.
Local activist Shelby Evans spoke from the Capitol steps dressed in bright orange butterfly wings.
“The only monarch I’m embracing today is a butterfly,” she said.
U.S. Rep. Greg Casar addressed the crowd gathered at the Capitol.
She urged the crowd to invite others to participate in political activism: “Get out there and pollinate.”
Gov. Greg Abbott announced earlier this week that Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard members would be deployed to Austin to respond to any violence associated with the No Kings event. On Saturday, state troopers were stationed at entrances to the Capitol grounds inspecting bags.
A DPS trooper looks into a woman’s bag as she enters the Capitol grounds during the No Kings protest.
After a peaceful rally at the Capitol, event organizers led the crowd on a march down Congress Avenue to Auditorium Shores, where dozens of community organizations gathered to meet participants and engage them in local causes.
Lucinda Kapral holds a flower which she said symbolizes Ukraine and Lady liberty as she marches during the No Kings protest.
This story will be updated.