"No Kings" protest draws thousands to downtown Denver
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Marchers participate in the "No Kings" protest in downtown Denver. Photo: Esteban L. Hernandez/Axios
Thousands flocked to downtown Denver on Saturday for the "No Kings" protest, timed to counter-program President Trump's multimillion-dollar military parade in Washington, D.C.
The big picture: The volume of people who participated resembled that of a Denver sport team's title celebration more than a political rally.
- Protests in cities across the U.S. collectively drew millions of people in what organizers called the largest single-day anti-Trump demonstration since the start of his second term.
- At one point, organizers in Denver said the march — which started at the Capitol before winding through the city center — stretched a mile long.
Why it matters: It's likely the largest anti-Trump demonstration in Denver since his first term drew tens of thousands of people downtown for the 2017 Women's March.
Zoom in: Marchers on Saturday were largely unified in their anti-Trump messaging, though at various points there were also anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian and anti-police chants ringing through the massive crowd.
- The Colorado Palestine Coalition led some of the marchers, organizers on the ground told Axios.
State of play: The event took place after a Minnesota state lawmaker was fatally shot and another wounded early Saturday in what authorities called "targeted" attacks against sitting Democratic legislators.
- The attack prompted the Minnesota State Patrol to urge people not to attend local "No Kings" protests.
- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, in a statement said the Centennial State stands with Minnesota: "We must continue to reject the divisive politics and rhetoric that have become too prevalent in our country."
Between the lines: Saturday's protest was peaceful. There were no clashes between police and marchers observed by Axios.
- Some demonstrators thanked officers who were blocking roads allowing demonstrators to march.
What they're saying: "This is the moment, people, where we have to say, 'No, this is the red line — you are not a king,'" Denver resident Michelle Mottler, who arrived dressed as the Statue of Liberty, told us Saturday.
What's next: The Denver Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL Denver) is organizing an additional protest Saturday afternoon at the state Capitol.