"No Kings" protest planned for Indiana Statehouse
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No Kings protest organizers expect millions to gather across the nation on Saturday in the second large-scale event pushing back against what organizers see as increasing authoritarianism.
Why it matters: The latest round of protests comes amid growing frustration about the ongoing government shutdown and widespread opposition to President Trump's military crackdown on Democratic-led cities across America.
State of play: More than 2,500 events are planned across all 50 states as of Monday, organizers said.
- "Together, millions will send a clear and unmistakable message: we are a nation of equals, and our country will not be ruled by fear or force," their statement said.
- Participating groups include the American Civil Liberties Union, American Federation of Teachers, 50501, Human Rights Campaign, Indivisible and MoveOn.
The other side: The recurring movement against the Trump administration has garnered sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers who say Democrats are protesting as a ploy during the government shutdown.
- "The Trump Administration is focused on stopping the scourge of left-wing violence plaguing American communities," White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement. "Left-wing protestors can beclown themselves by lawfully protesting the alternate reality they live in, but violence or breaking the law will not be tolerated."
Zoom in: Indianapolis' event will be at the Statehouse from 11am-2pm.
- The first hour is an activist fair, with music and information tables.
- Programming starts at noon, with a keynote address from David Greene, a reverend and leader of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis.
- Additional speakers will focus on immigrants, voting rights and democracy.
- The day will end with a march around the building.
What they're saying: Local organizers say they'll focus on "calling out our state legislators and local officials for their shameful positions on Congressional Redistricting and the use of state and local facilities for the housing of ICE detainees."