4:47 pm PDT CNN reports: ““Thanks for keeping it classy, San Diego,” said SDPD Lt. Travis Easter in a video on social media. More than 25,000 people protested in the city “peacefully and responsibly.”
4:07 pm Photos from downtown San Diego keep rolling in. Here’s a batch by Rag writer David Hutchinson.
3:52 pm There’s the huge rallies of thousands of people — and then there’s the small, spontaneous protests that people put together at the last moment. Like what happened today in front of Ocean Beach Elementary School at Newport and Sunset Cliffs Blvs. Rag writer Csaba caught the moment.
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3:44 pm Huge crowd reported in Chicago
In Chicago, a city that’s become a focal point of the administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration in recent weeks, a large crowd showed up at Butler Field in Grant Park. Demonstrators also filled the lawn of Boston Common and gathered outside the Atlanta Civic Center.
In Chicago, a blues player piped scales on the corner of Michigan Avenue across from the Art Institute, while closer to the field, Chicago’s famed “bucket boys” drummed out beats while shouting profane anti-Trump slogans to whooping passersby. The gathering in Chicago marked a first for Melissa Haub, 50, and her husband Ron, 53. The couple, who are from the western suburbs but now live in Madison, Wisconsin, wanted to take part in Chicago’s protest because the area had been hard-hit by immigration enforcement, while Wisconsin had not. Both were impressed by the massive turnout.
Melissa Haub said she chafed at comments by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), who decried the rallies as anti-American. “I think this is literally the most American thing you can do,” she said. Demonstrators came in plain clothes and in costumes — hot dogs, frogs, bananas — while some, like Suzy Jackson, 61, coordinated her look with friends as a trio of Morton Salt girls whose umbrellas read “melt ICE.” Washington Post
3:40 pm PDT I-5 Reopens California freeway reopens following massive artillery demonstrations at Camp Pendleton
A section of California’s Interstate 5 has fully reopened Saturday afternoon following celebrations at Camp Pendleton for the 250th anniversary of the US Armed Forces, a California Highway Patrol spokesperson said. The event involved fighter jets, helicopters, Navy vessels and live fire from a towed howitzer, a large-caliber gun transported by a vehicle and fired from the ground. The US Marine Corps and Navy demonstration was the largest in a decade in the continental US, said Brian Coleman, a Marine who briefed reporters during the visit. The interstate was closed “due to extreme life safety risk and distraction to drivers,” the California governor’s office said earlier Saturday.
3:37 pm Woman charged with brandishing firearm near “No Kings” demonstration in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Less than an hour ago, a woman has been arrested and charged with presenting and pointing a firearm while driving near a “No Kings” demonstration in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Saturday, police said. The incident took place just after 2 p.m. when Myrtle Beach Police Department officers “observed an individual in a vehicle brandish a firearm while traveling near a planned demonstration in the area.” The 59-year-old woman, a resident of Surfside Beach, was taken into custody “without incident,” the agency said. CNN
3:35 pm PDT Altercation in Georgia
Altercation ensues after driver steals ‘No Kings’ protester’s flag in Atlanta suburb, about an hour ago. An altercation took place in Marietta, Georgia, on Saturday at a “No Kings” protest after a man pulled up in a black pickup truck, took a protester’s flag, engaged in conflict with protesters and then drove away, as seen in video captured by CNN’s Don Riddell. CNN
3:27 pm — self-described 70 yr old seniors from North Park, Christine and Steve Haslet, sent in these pics from downtown.
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3:14 pm More photos of Ocean Beach
Chris Thomas sent in some photos he took from the OB event.
3:11 pm (After a lunch break) Report from Chula Vista
Rich Cornish reports that there were between 1,000 and 1500 at the Chula Vista protest. A very enthusiastic crowd, he said, lots of horn honking, and that he estimated that of the mixed crowd, three-fourths were gray-haired boomers.
2:29 pm (After a tech glitch, we’re back) San Diego Union-Tribune reports
The “No Kings” protest had begun early Saturday at Civic Center Plaza in downtown San Diego, with roughly 400 people gathered by 9:30 a.m. The crowd had swelled to at least 800 people by 10 a.m. Many had signs criticizing President Donald Trump and wore colorful costumes. …
Another “No Kings” protest was expected just outside Camp Pendleton on Saturday afternoon, which Vice President J.D. Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are visiting to watch an amphibious assault demonstration called “From Sea to Shore: A Review of Amphibious Strength” on the base to celebrate the Marines’ 250th birthday.
Roughly 2,000 people marched down Ash Street from Civic Center to converge with thousands of protesters assembled at Waterfront Park. They chanted things like “No hate, no Fear, Immigrants are welcome here” and “Hey Hey Ho Ho Donald Trump has got to go.” …
In El Cajon, hundreds of protesters lined both sides of a half-mile stretch of Fletcher Parkway. Drivers leaned on their horns in support as people waved back and posed for photos with one another’s signs. “This feels healing,” a man said to his companion. Some had backed their cars into the parking lot adjacent to the sidewalk and turned the gathering into an impromptu tailgate. One vehicle blasted Creedence Clearwater Revival’s anti-war anthem, “Fortunate Son.” Another played Falco’s Cold War-era track “Der Kommissar.”
For Pam Nuccio, the atmosphere felt familiar. She said the energy reminded her of anti-Vietnam War demonstrations she joined in the late 1960s. “I think what’s going on is terrifying,” she said. “I live in abject fear that we’re going to be a totalitarian nation. I want to do anything I can to prevent that from happening.”
Farther down the street, Diane Slagle drew steady attention with an oversized Trump mask she bought for $5.99 at Grocery Outlet. She said she walked in the Women’s March in Washington, D.C., the day after after Trump’s first inauguration. On Saturday, she was carrying a sign that read “Eschew Fascism.” “I think people are feeling so much angst,” Slagle said. “I’m beyond terrified, but it makes me feel better to see so many people turn out.”
1:46 pm PDT Here’s more of downtown San Diego from Rag writer Kate Callen.
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1:37 pm Scenes from downtown San Diego — here’s a batch from Chris Thomas who began snapping as soon as he got off the bus. His photos follow him from there to the front of the march.
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1:04 pm 200,000+ in DC
Reports are coming in that more than 200,000 people in the Washington DC area rallied near the US Capitol during the No Kings protest today. The event is of the largest nationwide mobilization since president Trump returned to office. Millions took to the streets today across more than 2,700 cities and towns, marking a day of defiance against Trump’s authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of American cities. The Guardian
1:00 pm 100,000+ people demonstrated in NYC, says NYPD, not one protest-related arrest.
Most of the demonstrators involved in the “No Kings” protests in New York City have dispersed, according to the New York Police Department, which said traffic closures in the city have been lifted. “We had more than 100,000 people across all five boroughs peacefully exercising their first amendment rights and the NYPD made zero protest-related arrests,” the department said on X.
Many people at protests across the nation appear inspired by “Operation Inflation”, an initiative where demonstrators wear colorful and inflatable costumes to protests, usually resembling an animal or Pokémon-type character.
The trend started with a protester dubbed the Portland Frog, who began dressing in an inflatable frog costume to attend Ice protests.
Teresa Clark, 51, of Palm Harbor wears a frog costume while protesting along Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater, Florida.. Photograph: Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times/ZUMA Press Wire/
12:56 pm Another “un-scheduled” protest in Hillcrest, reports Byron Morton — on his way to the main one downtown. While on the No. 11 bus on his way, he saw several dozen people at University and either 5th or 6th Streets. He said the bus was packed with protesters, many young people with strollers.
12:32 pm Earlier today at the Waterfront Park, Mandy Havlik sent these pics in.
12:28 pm PDT Sanders slams Trump and his billionaire allies at DC protest
Progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders, speaking at Washington, DC’s “No Kings” protest today, said President Donald Trump and his billionaire allies, like Elon Musk, are endangering self-government. “It is in danger when we have a president who wants more and more power in his own hands and in the hands of his fellow oligarchs,” Sanders told the crowd. He went on to slam several of Trump’s moves, including his efforts to send US military troops to cities, aggressively crack down on undocumented migrants, intimidate media organizations and retaliate against political opponents.
“This moment is not just about one man’s greed, one man’s corruption or one man’s contempt for the Constitution,” Sanders said. “This is about a handful of the wealthiest people on Earth who, in their insatiable greed, have hijacked our economy and our political system in order to enrich themselves at the expense of working families throughout this country.” “I am talking about Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and the other multi-billionaires who were sitting right behind Trump when he was inaugurated,” Sanders continued. Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, also took a swipe at Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who in recent days has described the demonstrations as anti-American. “Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the House, called these rallies ‘hate America events.’ Boy, does he have it wrong,” Sanders said. “Millions of Americans are coming out today not because they hate America. We’re here because we love America.”
12:24 pm About a half hour ago in Chicago thousands began marching in Chicago as part of the nationwide “No Kings Day” movement, many carrying Mexican flags and signs like “Hands off our Democracy” and “ICE OUT!” The Chicago crowd swelled quickly, with people still streaming in as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker made an entrance to chants of “JB! JB! JB!”
And likewise, about a half hour ago on the ground in Los Angeles, the main “No Kings” protest events aren’t scheduled for several hours, but people gather outside LA City Hall, holding signs and waving both Mexican and US flags.
12:15 pm PDT OB Rag live-blogging makes it to local Google News! We’re the only local news covering the No Kings Day protests it appears.
12:00 In Ocean Beach about 30 people gathered at Sunset Cliffs and W. Pt Loma Blvd. The organizer told Rag writer Csaba it’s a coalition of Veterans for peace, Code pink, Jewish voice for peace, as well as a couple no kings protestors. He is part of the group that is here every Saturday.
11:55 a.m. Another photo from Carlsbad
11:52 am Another photo from Pacific Beach by OBcean Bonnie Elias.
11:50 am PT Denver mayor says he will join thousands of demonstrators in his city to protest Trump
More than 50 “No Kings” protests are happening across Colorado today, according to Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. He told CNN’s Fredricka Whitfield that in his city, about 12,000 to 15,000 people are expected to demonstrate, and he plans to join them. “We support their right to raise their voices, and they respect to do it peacefully,” Johnston said. “My daughter and son and I will be out there after I leave this interview.” The mayor cited President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown as well as his tax and spending cuts package as among reasons why people are protesting today. Johnston accused the president of coming “for the most basic protections that we expect in our city.”
11:40 a.m. The convergence
11:23 a.m. Report from Pacific Beach. Rag writer Csaba Petre sent these photos from PB. Never seen so many people from PB except at the beach. Wow!
11:14 a.m. PT Earlier today in Times Square
11:05 a.m.Meanwhile in downtown San Diego, there are two marches going on simultaneously. The larger group began at Waterpark.
The second group is on Ash Street headed for the waterfront.
10:45 a.m. Report from Carlsbad. Rag writer Lawrynce Cecio says that “both sides of the 101 are absolutely packed with people. There is constant honking from those driving by to show support. So far all is extremely civil and acting in the true spirit of nonviolent protest. Many veterans of North County have come out to show their support as well.” Lawrynce estimates there are 7 to 10 thousand people and growing ….
10:40 a.m.People are gathering in downtown San Diego and are on the move. 
10:37 a.m. PT Aerial View of Atlanta
10:28 a.m. PT A ton of costumes are showing up at protests
10:20 Paul Krueger reports there are about a 100 people scattered on all 4 corners at Mira Mesa blvd just east of the I 15
10:18 a.m. PT Kate Callen ran into these early demonstrators in downtown San Diego.
10:08 a.m. A view of the crowd in Boston right now
9:59 am PDT Hundreds of people have gathered in Chicago’s Grant Park
A large — and still growing — crowd has made its way into Grant Park in Chicago. Today’s “No Kings” rally in the city is being held at the Petrillo Music Shell, the park’s well-known rally venue along Lake Michigan. It regularly serves as the venue for some of Chicago’s biggest music festivals, including Jazz Fest, Blues Fest and Lollapalooza.
Many people are carrying what appear to be homemade signs, and others are carrying pre-made “Hands Off Chicago” posters. There are lots of American flags in the crowd, along with a few Mexican and LGBTQ flags.
Virginia Guard on Standby
We’ve also confirmed that the Virginia National Guard is now on notice to be ready to come if called. Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office confirmed on Friday that the Virginia National Guard will be on “state activity duty.” The governor later posted on social media about the decision, saying he respects free speech, but will not tolerate violence: FoxRichmond
9:55 a.m. NYC Demonstrator hopes we can all save democracy.
One demonstrator at the “No Kings” march in New York City told CNN she’s been protesting since the 1960s. But this time feels different, she told CNN.
“In the 60s we wanted to expand rights – women’s rights, gay rights, minority rights, voting rights,” she said. “But all that’s being taken away now. Now our entire democracy is being threatened, the basic tenets, the press, the judiciary.”
One of thousands of protesters expected to attend the Manhattan demonstration, the demonstrator held a sign that reads: “We protest because we love America, and we want it back.” She described feeling “very sad, a sense of loss, fear” under the Trump administration.
“I’m hoping together, we can all save democracy,” she said.
Activist at DC protest says criticism from GOP is “ridiculous”
Dressed in Revolutionary War-era clothing and wigs, members of the group All in for Democracy shared their reasons for attending the “No Kings” protest in Washington, DC. “I just see all of our institutions changing, and I don’t want us to change as a country and as a people,” said DC resident Lee Ayres, sporting a coat, wig and hat. “I want all of America to realize the Declaration of Independence is about no kings.”
Some top Republicans like House Speaker Mike Johnson have accused the protesters of being “anti-American” in recent days. Bob Hoeft, who described himself as a former Republican voter from Burke, Virginia, called such accusations “ridiculous.” “There’s a lot of lot less truth coming out of the Republican Party than there is just vitriol, trying to gain political favor, trying to anger Americans for their benefit,” Hoeft said.
9:42 a.m. Crowds are gathering across the country Saturday at some 2,600 locations for a new round of “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump, amid tensions over a government shutdown, immigration crackdowns and military deployments to fight crime in Democratic-led cities.
Millions were expected to attend the rallies, organizers said in advance, with the largest crowds expected in Washington, New York and Chicago. Protesters lined Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington on Saturday morning, many waving placards with messages critical of the Trump administration. Men, women and children held signs such as “No Kings” and “billionaires are killing USA.”
The organizers — a large coalition of groups that includes the liberal organization Indivisible and the American Civil Liberties Union — have emphasized their desire for Saturday’s protests, which they have said are anti-authoritarian, to be a peaceful show of disagreement and concern with the direction of the country under Trump. They said they’ve trained “tens of thousands” of people in de-escalation to avoid friction with law enforcement and counterprotesters. A statement on the “No Kings” website says that weapons of any kind should not be brought to the rallies.
Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) are scheduled to speak at the D.C. rally. In a video posted Wednesday, Murphy urged people to show up in big numbers to demonstrate “peacefully but forcefully.”
9:34 a.m. California governor closes portion of freeway amid artillery demonstrations at Camp Pendleton
A section of California’s Interstate 5 will be closed today “due to extreme life safety risk and distraction to drivers, including sudden unexpected and loud explosions,” as the United States Marine Corps celebrates its 250th anniversary at Camp Pendleton, the California governor’s office said.
Vice President JD Vance is set to attend the event celebrating the 250th?anniversary celebrations, which will feature amphibious assault demonstrations.
The state said it received notice from event organizers asking for CalTrans signage to be posted along the I-5 freeway that would read: “Overhead fire in progress.” A decision to close a portion of the interstate from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time Saturday was then made, according to the governor’s office and information from the California Department of Transportation. “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous,” Newsom said in the statement.
The event at Camp Pendleton will also be attended by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan and General Eric M. Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps. Vance is the first Marine to serve as vice president. CNN
9:32 a.m. Outside Madison Square Garden right now
Some of the biggest crowds we’re seeing so far today are in New York, where “No Kings” protesters have packed the streets in some of the busiest parts of the city.
A march outside Madison Square Garden has featured a large banner reading, “No Kings” and “People Over Billionaires.” Protesters are chanting slogans into megaphones, including, “This is what democracy looks like,” and “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.”
There are signs referencing everything from yesterday’s George Santos pardon to workers’ rights (that placard says it is endorsed by the Writer’s Guild of America), and a variety of costumes, including various animals and unicorns. Bagpipes and beating drums are making for a cacophony of sound, along with the constant chanting.
9:28 a.m. Texas Gov. Abbott called out his National Guard for No Kings protest.
Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott joined his party’s fearmongering about upcoming nationwide “No Kings” protests, promising to use the National Guard to crack down on hypothetical violence at the peaceful demonstration planned for Austin.
“Today, I directed the Dept. of Public Safety and National Guard to surge forces into Austin ahead of an Antifa-linked protest,” Abbott wrote on X Thursday, referring to the No Kings event scheduled for Saturday. “Texas will NOT tolerate chaos.” The New Republic
Reportedly, the governor of Virginia also called out his Guard for the protest.
9:20 a.m. PDT
Crowds start to gather on the East Coast.
The first of what “No Kings” organizers expect to be more than 2,600 protest events began Saturday in the United States and other countries, a mass mobilization against President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration, education and security that organizers say are pushing the country toward autocracy.
Saturday’s rallies started outside the U.S., with a couple of hundred protesters gathering outside the U.S. embassy in London, and roughly hundreds more holding demonstrations in Madrid and Barcelona.
By Saturday morning in Northern Virginia, many protesters were walking on overpasses across roads heading into Washington, D.C., and several hundred people gathered in the circle near Arlington National Cemetery, near where Trump is considering building an arch across the bridge from the Lincoln Memorial.
9:10 a.m. Good morning — the Rag will be conducting a live-blog today during the hours of the protests, which means we’ll be doing a continuous report as contemporaneously as much as we can, posting reports and photos from Rag writers, friends and supporters who attend the events today.
There are 17 No King Day events scattered throughout San Diego County today — here is a list of all of them — and most begin around 10 or 11 a.m. There’s protests in the following communities:
- 3 events downtown San Diego
- SDSU
- Pacific Beach
- Ocean Beach
- La Jolla
- Mira Mesa
- Carmel Valley
- Rancho Bernardo
- Chula Vista
- El Cajon
- San Marcos
- Carlsbad
- Vista
- Ramona
- Borrego Springs
Send us your report and photos via gmail. If you happen to attend one or more of these protests, please send the Rag a brief report and any photos via gmail; send them to obragblog@gmail.com
Hey, check it out. The Rag is doing a live-blog of the No Kings Day protests both here in San Diego and around the country. Keep checking back as it’s continuous for the hours the protests are going on.
Thank you, Frank!
Commies
Thanks, Frank et al. Never quite as good as being there,but close! Really appreciate it.