BASTROP, Texas — Signs, chants, and crowds filled Central Texas streets Saturday as thousands joined the “No Kings” movement — a nationwide demonstration protestors say is aimed at defending democracy and opposing authoritarian leadership.
Protesters gathered in cities big and small, from Austin to Bastrop, joining others across the country in the second round of “No Kings” events. Supporters say the message is about unity and peaceful resistance, while opponents argue the demonstrations are politically driven.
“You will not silence us. You will not stop us; we will be heard,” said Josi Davies, who attended the protest in Bastrop.
Participants there marched from the county courthouse to the Kerr Community Center, holding signs and chanting as they went. Organizers estimated at least 600 people joined the demonstration.
“We elect a president, we don’t elect a king, and they don’t have the complete authority to do whatever they want to anyone they want,” said Sharon, another Bastrop protester.
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Demonstrators said their focus is on peaceful action and unity in opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration and its policies.
“I’m out here for LGBTQ, I’m out here for trans, I’m out here for immigrants, I’m out here for refugees,” said Linda Miller, who attended the protest in Austin.
In Austin, protesters gathered on the Capitol grounds before marching to Auditorium Shores. The crowd included people of all ages and backgrounds, many carrying signs and chanting.
“It’s really exhilarating and satisfying to see that all these people came here to fight for their beliefs,” said Clara Audubon, an Austin demonstrator.
Some congressional Republicans have described the demonstrations as “hate America” protests. Organizers reject that label, emphasizing that the movement’s core principle is nonviolence.
“They kept pushing that and pushing it — nonviolence, nonviolence, nonviolence. We are peaceful,” Miller said.
Others echoed that sentiment, saying their participation is about holding government accountable through lawful, peaceful expression.
“We do not accept authoritarian rule, and the people are getting out on the streets to tell our government what it needs to be doing as it should be,” said Robert Kraft, a protester in Bastrop.
Both the Austin and Bastrop events remained largely peaceful, with demonstrators emphasizing their message of unity, democracy, and nonviolence.