(Atlantic) Large crowds gathered throughout Iowa on Saturday for pro-democracy “No Kings” rallies. Protesters hit the streets in many cities across the state. Similar demonstrations took place in hundreds of cities across the U.S. to protest President Trump and the Trump administration’s policies.
There were also events in Red Oak, Creston, Clarinda, Shenandoah, Oakland, Council Bluffs, and Atlantic
Saturday morning brought nearly 200 people together to celebrate their right to assemble and to free speech, according to a press release from Cass County Democratic Party Chair Denise O’Brien. “People gathered at the Atlantic City Park on both sides of Highway 6. Southwest Indivisible, one of the sponsors stated that the number of protests increased from two in June to seven on Saturday, with nearly seven million participating in concern for the state of democracy.”
O’Brien says the No Kings protests took several weeks to plan and implement. Online training was provided covering topics of safety, know your rights and making sure that the actions were peaceful. She stated prior to the protest several news outlets and politicians stated that the attendees were paid protesters. Hamas, antifa, Marxists and socialists. Most protests were peaceful, joyful and family oriented with people wearing costumes while marching through the streets. There were very few arrests and acts of violence during the October 18th events.”
“We are not paid to be here today,” one participant stated. “We are concerned about the direction our country is taking. I was present at the June event and will participate in future gatherings if necessary. On my own time.”
The First Amendment of the Constitution protects the freedom of speech. The No Kings rallies across the United States was an expression of that right.
