More ‘No Kings’ protests planned across IL. When and where in the metro-east?
Four months after millions of Americans attended “No Kings” protests, the rallies will be held again in Belleville and throughout the region and nation Saturday, Oct. 18.
Organizers expect the October “No Kings Day of Action” to bring even greater turnout than the 5 to 6 million estimated protesters in June, a No Kings spokesperson wrote in a recent email to the News-Democrat. In all, the organization anticipates more than 2,500 affiliated protests will be held across the U.S. Saturday.
“The president [Donald Trump] thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty,” the No Kings website reads.
Attendees estimated 600 people or more participated in Belleville’s No Kings protest in June, while more than 270 attended in O’Fallon. The previous No Kings Day protests were held on Flag Day, which also fell on Trump’s birthday and included a military parade in Washington, D.C.
The mass protests come as some voters criticize the president for ICE raids in Illinois and across the nation, as well as various lawsuits and more than 100 conflicts with the judicial branch.
“As President Trump continues to pretend he’s a dictator, we are standing up again to push back against his hateful, authoritarian actions,” Alex Enyart, local attorney and leader of progressive organization Indivisible Metro East, said in an Oct. 14 press release. “Our peaceful day of action is going to bring together local residents from all walks of life who share a simple message: We don’t do kings in America.”
No Kings organizers describe the protests as “peaceful” and “nonviolent.” They advise attendees to try to de-escalate any potential confrontation and avoid bringing weapons, even when legally permitted.
Where will protests be held in metro-east Illinois?
As of Oct. 15, eight No Kings protests are planned in the metro-east and greater St. Louis area. More than 40 are planned across Illinois.
Here’s where and when local protests are planned for Saturday:
- Belleville: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. downtown around the Public Square fountain.
- O’Fallon: 9 to 10:30 a.m. at O’Fallon City Hall, 255 S. Lincoln Ave.
- Edwardsville: Noon to 1 p.m. at Edwardsville Public Library, 112 S. Kansas St.
- Waterloo: 10 a.m. to noon “on IL-3 just south of Market St., spanning from Huck’s to Scooter’s Coffee.”
- St. Louis: A Community Action Festival will be held from noon to 1:15 p.m., and a No Kings march will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut St.
- St. Louis: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tamm Avenue Highway 64 overpass.
- South County St. Louis: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marcus Ronnie’s Cinema, 5320 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Organizers ask attendees to avoid parking in the nearby Waffle House parking lot.
- West County St. Louis: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 13999 Manchester Road in Ballwin, Mo.
No Kings protests will also be held in Mount Vernon, Carbondale and at southern Illinois’ snake road.
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