"No Kings" protest draws thousands to California State Capitol in Sacramento
Multiple protests took place throughout Northern California as part of the "No Kings" movement on Saturday.
The protests coincide with President Donald Trump's birthday and the military parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army in Washington, D.C., which Mr. Trump will be attending.
"On June 14—Flag Day— President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday," the . "We're not gathering to feed his ego. We're building a movement that leaves him behind."
Northern California events
A protest at the California State Capitol on the West steps in Sacramento began at 10 a.m. and was scheduled to end at 1 p.m.
What started with hundreds of people multiplied into thousands at the Capitol, eventually spreading out into the streets by the late morning.
"I think it's appalling what this administration is doing with our military, calling it up on our own people without permission from our own governor and taking away veterans' benefits," said a protester who said he is a retired Air Force officer and disabled veteran. "I'm happy to protest because this is a democracy and we don't have kings in this country."
Sacramento police said there were significant traffic impacts near 10th and L streets due to the demonstrations. police said marchers were near I Street.
The California Highway Patrol blocked several streets and prevented protestors from entering Interstate 5.
The demonstration concluded when protestors marched over the Tower Bridge.
Shortly after 3:30 p.m., Sacramento police said traffic around the Capitol building had resumed to normal and no arrests were made.
According to Indivisible Sacramento, the event host, there were speakers at the Capitol protest. Some of the speakers include Assemblymember Maggie Krell and Sacramento council member Roger Dickinson.
"I, like millions of people throughout our country, decided to come out and to show my solidarity with those who believe our country is better than this," said Sacramento's former mayor, Darrell Steinberg. "You know, I am a former mayor and former senate pro tem, but I think the message today: you don't have to have a title to have power, you have to just act like a person that loves their country."
Other protests were planned at the Roseville Galleria, Galt City Hall, East Bidwell Street/Highway 50 Overpass in Folsom and San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton.
A protest was scheduled at 10 a.m. in Woodland, with people marching from the new courthouse to the old courthouse. In Davis, an event is planned at the Superior Court at 10 a.m.
Non-violent protests
The organizing page for No Kings states the movement was committed to non-violent action.
"We expect all participants to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events," its website states.