LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Police Department estimated that 4,000 people gathered at Metro City Hall for the “No Kings” protest on Saturday afternoon. Similar protests took place all over the nation, with over 20 in Louisville alone. Speakers rallied for change against ICE and the Trump administration, sharing personal stories about why they joined the cause.
“No King” Protesters call for President Donald Trump to be, as their signs say, “dethroned”, comparing his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.
“We need Trump out of office. It’s not just working-class values. It’s not just American values. There are people all over the world protesting today because they know what an authoritarian regime would do,” said Tyler Rooney, a Louisville resident and member of the Louisville Democratic Socialists of America.
Rooney said recent immigration policy changes have shaken her and her family.
“I have family members myself who have self-deported out of fear,” Rooney said. “My great grandfather has a son that lives in the Samoan islands who lived here. My family is currently living in fear. This fear extends to me. They’re my family.”
Personal stories like this one are being shared across the nation for what organizers are calling a “nationwide day of defiance”.
“This is a fight is personal to all of us. It’s not just white families anymore. It’s not just black families anymore. Our families are blended,” Rooney said.
Louisville protesters said it’s important to show representation in Kentucky.
“There are so many people here representing. We’re in a deeply red state and it’s just really important to get out and make your opinions known and be heard,” said Rhonda Snyder.
“The other element that’s important is that we’re here peacefully,” Rhonda’s husband, Tom Snyder, said. “We’re respecting the laws and we’re standing up peacefully for what we believe in. That’s democracy in action. Respecting each other.”
LMPD remained onsite to block roads and to ensure public safety. The protest remained peaceful, with no intervention from the heavy police presence.
