Major U.S. cities see no arrests at "No Kings" protests
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More than 100,000 people protested in New York City on Oct. 18. Photo: Neil Constantine/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Police in New York City, Austin, Chicago, D.C. and San Diego reported zero arrests by their departments during Saturday's "No Kings" protests.
Why it matters: No widespread violence was reported during the major mobilization of 7 million people to protest the Trump administration and some of its policies.
Driving the news: The New York City Police Department wrote on X: "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 Austin Police Department wrote on X: "The rally remained peaceful, with no arrests reported. We're grateful to our community and event organizers for coming together to make sure voices were heard safely and respectfully."
- The San Diego Police Department wrote on X: "Thanks to the more than 25,000 people who came out and exercised their first amendment right peacefully and responsibly. Once again, no one was arrested."
- Chicago police did not arrest any protesters either, spokesperson Tom Ahern confirmed to Axios' Carrie Shepherd.
- D.C.'s Metropolitan Police also didn't conduct any arrests, the mayor's office confirmed to Axios' Cuneyt Dil.
Catch up quick: After the protests, Trump posted an AI-generated video video depicting himself in a crown flying a jet labeled "KING TRUMP" and dumping brown sludge on protesters.
- GOP lawmakers, ahead of the protests, said "No Kings" was "a hate America rally" and one legislator warned that the administration might have to deploy the National Guard to protest sites.
- The Republican National Committee on Monday said that the protests "were filled with rage-fueled antagonists inciting political violence."
Zoom out: Other protests during the Trump administration have involved arrests.
- In June, more than 20 people were arrested in New York City at a Trump Tower demonstration against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- Nearly 100 people were arrested in March, also at Trump Tower, to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist detained by immigration authorities.
What we're watching: "No Kings" organizers will host a mass call on Tuesday at 8pm ET to talk through the movement's next steps.
Go deeper: Your typical No Kings attendee in D.C., according to data
