Crowd gathers for ‘No Kings’ protests
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Protesters across the United States gathered for “No Kings” rallies, including in St. Joseph.
The demonstrations coincide with Saturday’s military parade in Washington, D.C., to mark the Army's 250th anniversary. Numerous protestors gathered at North Belt Highway and Frederick Avenue with signs held in front of them.
“We're really raising our voices in opposition to the authoritarianism that’s unfolding all across the country,” Organizer Dakota Allen said. “It's our opportunity to make sure that we communicate that no matter who you voted for, we didn’t vote for a king, and what’s unfolding right now is very indicative of a king trying to take power.”
Governor Mike Kehoe activated the Missouri National Guard as a precautionary measure on Thursday ahead of the planned protests.
“I think that it was a big overstep,” Allen said. “We haven't seen any violence or property damage from any of the protests that have been hosted in Missouri. I understand that we need to maintain peace and order, and we absolutely won’t be tolerating any agitators on our side.”
The "No Kings" rallies also follow a string of protests across the nation this spring, including “Hands Off!” and May Day National Day of Action.
Activist Melinda Kovacs said the discussion of rights has never been more relevant in her life than it is now.
“If we don't exercise our constitutional rights to be on the sidewalks and put up our signs and represent the political position, then those rights can be trampled more easily,” she said.
