Photos: Scenes from the No Kings Protests
Across the United States, demonstrations took place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as part of a nationwide “No Kings” rally. These protests, aimed at voicing opposition to the policies of the Trump Administration, are an extension of the broader “No Kings” movement that initially gained momentum in June of the same year. NPR station photographers were present in cities and towns nationwide, documenting the events as they unfolded within their respective communities.
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Official guidance: USA.gov — official guidance for Complete Photos Scenes Kings Protests Guide
Nationwide Demonstrations Erupt
The “No Kings” protests saw participation from diverse segments of the population, spanning various locations from major urban centers to smaller rural communities. Demonstrators marched in cities such as San Francisco, California, where protestors carried signs and banners expressing their discontent. In Hartford, Connecticut, a “We the People” banner was prominently displayed, symbolizing the protestors’ commitment to democratic principles. The nation’s capital, Washington D.C., also witnessed large gatherings, with participants like Tara Reel, dressed as the “grieving” Statue of Liberty, highlighting the impact of recent federal worker resignation programs.
Beyond the major cities, the protests extended to towns and smaller cities. In Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, protestors lined the streets, making their voices heard. Seattle, Washington, saw gatherings at the Seattle Center, while Richmond, Virginia, witnessed thousands taking to the streets. Even in Fort Myers, Florida, demonstrators displayed signs and an inverted American flag, a signal of distress. The widespread nature of these demonstrations underscored the breadth of the “No Kings” movement’s reach and its ability to mobilize individuals across different geographic and demographic landscapes.
Regional Protest Highlights
Specific regions witnessed unique expressions of protest. In Portland, Oregon, a “No Kings 2.0” rally took place, with a Portland police officer spotted wearing a rose on their uniform. Denver, Colorado, saw a more confrontational scene, with police officers deploying pepper balls and chemical canisters against a small group of protestors who remained after the main rally concluded. In Macon, Georgia, Legacee Medina led chants at a rally that had relocated to avoid conflicting with a planned Hispanic festival. Joe Bondulich, also in Macon, carried a flag he described as the “original Revolution flag,” featuring 13 stars and 13 stripes, symbolizing the fight against kings.
Other regional highlights included a rally at Boston Common in Massachusetts, where protestors waved banners. In Oakland, California, Rep. Lateefah Simon spoke during the “No Kings National Day of Action” at Lake Merritt. Texas also saw significant activity, with crowds gathering at the Capitol in Austin and a protest ramping up in Plano. The varied expressions of protest, from peaceful marches to symbolic gestures, reflected the diverse motivations and concerns of the participants within the “No Kings” movement.
Moments of Expression and Confrontation
The protests were not solely defined by marches and speeches; moments of spontaneous expression and occasional confrontation also punctuated the events. In Washington, D.C., an impromptu dance party erupted within the crowd, showcasing a sense of collective energy and solidarity. Conversely, in Denver, the deployment of pepper balls and chemical canisters by law enforcement highlighted the potential for tensions to escalate between protestors and authorities. These contrasting moments underscored the complex dynamics at play within the “No Kings” movement, where expressions of unity and resistance coexisted alongside instances of conflict.
Further illustrating the diverse nature of the protests, individuals like Jen Sandoval, also known as “Día de los Meow-tos,” participated in the “No Kings” protest in Prineville, Oregon, expressing concerns about ICE detentions and deportations. In St. Peter’s, Missouri, Amy Gryder and her daughter, Ella Walther, emphasized that civil liberties were not a partisan issue but a matter of right and wrong affecting everyone. These personal stories and individual expressions added depth and nuance to the broader narrative of the “No Kings” protests, showcasing the diverse motivations and concerns driving participation.
Visual Summary: Signs, Symbols, and Scenes
The visual elements of the “No Kings” protests offered a powerful summary of the movement’s message. Protestors in Salt Lake City, Utah, held signs conveying their grievances. In Burlington, Vermont, protestors gathered at City Hall Park. The protests extended as far south as Miami, where demonstrators marched through downtown, highlighting the national scope of the movement. These scenes, captured by photographers across the country, provided a visual record of the widespread discontent and the diverse forms of expression that characterized the “No Kings” protests on October 18, 2025.
The images from these protests depict a range of emotions and actions, from peaceful gatherings to moments of confrontation. They serve as a reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the power of collective action in expressing dissent and advocating for change. The “No Kings” protests, as documented through these photographs, offer a glimpse into a moment of significant political and social activism in the United States.
Conclusion
The “No Kings” protests of October 18, 2025, represented a widespread expression of dissent against the policies of the Trump Administration. From coast to coast, individuals gathered in cities and towns to voice their concerns, utilizing a variety of methods from peaceful marches to symbolic displays. The photographs captured by NPR station photographers provide a valuable record of these events, highlighting the diverse motivations and experiences of those who participated in the “No Kings” movement.
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