"No Kings" protests set for NYC and beyond on Saturday. Here's what to know.
Protests against the Trump administration are set to take place in and around New York City Saturday as part of nationwide "No Kings" demonstrations.
The protests coincide with Saturday's military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. It is also President Trump's 79th birthday.
"In America, we don't do kings," the reads. "They've defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services. The corruption has gone too. far. [sic] No thrones. No crowns. No kings."
About the military parade
Some 6,600 soldiers and dozens of tanks, armored fighting vehicles and choppers will participate in the Washington parade.
"I come from a long line of military in my family, so being able to do this and get to see the support, and being able to support such a big thing is important," U.S. Army Sgt. Victoria Robinson said.
Washington hasn't seen such a military parade in over three decades. The last one was done to mark the end of the first Gulf War.
The Army estimates the parade will cost between $25 million-$45 million, which is happening at the same time the administration is making serious cuts to some federal agencies to save money. Some lawmakers
"We were always different than the images you saw of the Soviet Union and North Korea. We were proud not to be that. And I don't — I'm not proposing that's the image that people want to project — but I'm worried about the image. That isn't necessarily the best image to show," Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican, said.
"There are no kings. There are no monarchs. There are no dictators. We have a democracy," New York Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said.
The show of military capability on domestic soil also comes amid Mr. Trump's deployment of the National Guard and Marines to the scene of protests in Los Angeles.
"If there's any protester who wants to come out, they will be met with very big force," Mr. Trump has said.
Protests planned nationwide, including in and around NYC
Protests are planned in just about every major city across the country Saturday.
"The military parade for Trump's birthday has all the earmarks of a dictatorship," Donna Lieberman of the New York Civil Liberties Union said. "We have to stand up, speak out peacefully, but forcefully, that we believe in democracy and we're not going to let this stuff go by without objecting."
In New York City, demonstrations are planned to take place at Bryant Park and at Columbia University in Manhattan, among a number of other locations in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island and New Jersey, as well as in the northern suburbs.
The NYPD estimates crowds in Manhattan alone could get into the hundreds of thousands.
"No Kings Day" happening amid rising tensions and protests
The demonstrations will take place amid recent protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcements actions that have occasionally ended with some violence and arrests. On Thursday, several NYPD vehicles were set on a fire at a Brooklyn lot, purportedly by someone acting in solidarity with recent protests.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch spoke ahead of the "No Kings" protests.
"We want to keep all New Yorkers safe, whether you are protesting or going about your everyday life," Adams said. "And we're saying to loved ones and family members, please know where your family members are and ensure they are not part of any disruption that's taking place. While we always respect and protect the right to peaceful protest, there will be zero - zero - tolerance for crime, blocking traffic, graffiti or disorderly behavior."
"New Yorkers may have different emotions right now, and they have a right to express that, but we want to be clear. You do not have a right to engage in violence and lawlessness. Any escalation of protest that turns violent or results in property damage is unacceptable, and it won't be tolerated if it is attempted in our city," Adams added.
As he did during prior protests, Adams alleged that "there are a body of people that are here just to create chaos." He encouraged protesters and demonstrators not to fall for it.
"A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events," a message on the No Kings website reads.
Partial list of events in and around New York City
- No Kings Columbia University 1 p.m. at Broadway and West 116th Street
- No Kings Bryant Park 2 p.m. at Fifth Avenue and 41st Street
- No Kings Staten Island 1 p.m. at 168 Victory Boulevard
- No Kings Queens 12:30 p.m. at 10628 Queens Boulevard
- No Kings Brooklyn 1 p.m. at Cadman Plaza West and Johnson Street
For a complete list of events, .
