In opposition against the Trump administration for the increasingly hostile immigration operations ICE has employed throughout the country, the “No Kings” march and rally was held in Uptown Charlotte June 14. The multitude of events also acted in direct response to the military parade Donald Trump ordered to honor Flag Day, the 250th anniversary of the Army’s establishment, and Trump’s birthday.
The main event kicked off around 11 a.m., with Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers estimating around 6,000 people coming out to demonstrate in First Ward Park, several carrying signs with slogans protesting the harm caused to fellow citizens.
“As the daughter of an immigrant, it is so disheartening to see so many of our neighbors, our community members, our people just being forcibly taken from their home,” one person told WBTV as they attended the rally.
From 11 a.m. To 2 p.m., Charlotte Mecklenbueg Police Department (CMPD) noted they were aware protests were taking place in advance and planned on maintaining the safety of individuals coming to demonstrate peacefully, as is their right under the First Amendment.
“The safety of Charlotte residents and visitors is our top priority,” a spokesperson for the local agency wrote. “We’re committed to protecting everyone’s right to peacefully gather and encourage everyone coming to Uptown to enjoy the city responsibly.”
Charlotte was not alone among the city where demonstrations took place. Nearby towns such as Albemarle, Waxhaw, Concord, Monroe, Davidson and Mooresville are just a few among an estimated sixty protests that took place in the state.
Monroe police made a similar statement, echoing those from the leadership of CMPD, saying they “respect and support everyone’s right to peacefully assemble and express their views.”
“Our duty is to protect the entire community – residents, businesses, visitors and demonstrators alike,” Monroe police said. “We are coordinating with our law enforcement partners and are prepared to respond and maintain the safety of the public and the integrity of a lawful protest. Anyone who breaks the law or disrupts public order will be held accountable.”
As reported by the National Public Radio service, The No Kings demonstrations were put together by a coalition of more than 200 organizations, including MoveOn, the American Civil Liberties Union, American Federation of Teachers and the Communications Workers of America.
Protests were not planned in Washington, D.C., where the military parade was held, in order to draw “a clear contrast between our people-powered movement and the costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade in Washington.”
As of this writing, no widespread follow-up protests have been planned or announced.