On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators gathered across southern Florida as part of the national No Kings movement, voicing opposition to what they perceive as an authoritarian shift under Donald Trump's administration and advocating for the protection of democracy. These protests are part of a nationwide coordinated effort, with over 2,000 demonstrations expected to take place in the U.S. under the slogan "No Kings," directly opposing any attempts to consolidate authoritarian power in the country.
A Day of Activism in South Florida
As early as June 14, when President Trump marked his 79th birthday, streets in Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Homestead, and Miami Beach were filled with demonstrators waving flags, chanting slogans, and holding colorful signs with messages like “No Kings in America.” West Palm Beach saw hundreds gather, notably forming a line marching towards Mar-A-Lago, Trump’s opulent estate in Florida.
In Fort Lauderdale, Sky 10 captured aerial images of hundreds marching peacefully along the beach near A1A and Sunrise Boulevard, under the watchful eyes of a significant police presence. Two participants held a sign embodying the protest’s spirit: “No Kings in America.” The event was organized by Hope and Action and Broward County’s Indivisible, who had been preparing for over six weeks. Recent unrest in California and decisions by the Trump administration added fresh urgency to the movement.
“It's all a joke, and nobody does anything about it. This is our only recourse. When will enough be enough?” expressed one visibly frustrated protester.
Simultaneous Protests in Miami-Dade
In downtown Miami, thousands gathered at the Torch of Friendship starting at 11:30 a.m. to express their dissatisfaction. Journalist Michaila Hightower described the scene as a “passionate yet peaceful protest,” featuring impromptu conga lines around the Freedom Tower, drum circles, and music like Childish Gambino’s “This is America” setting the tone.
Raquel Pacheco, a Miami Indivisible trainer, stated, “We’re here to send a clear message to the Trump administration: we will not bow to kings or oligarchs; we will fight for our Constitution and our constitutional rights, and we’ll do it in a very peaceful and festive way.” In Miami Beach, the gathering took place at Pride Park, where a minor incident with a counter-protester was swiftly managed by police, who also assisted an elderly woman who fainted from the heat.
Coral Springs: Suburban Protest with Significant Impact
At 8:30 a.m., more than 150 people had already assembled in Coral Springs, half an hour before the official start of the protest at Sample Road and University Drive. Despite its suburban setting, the event was charged with intensity and commitment. Christine Calareso Bleecker, organizer of the Joyful Resistance Indivisible group, commented, “We find strength in the collective, and this was a very accessible way for people living a bit more in the suburbs to gather, see their neighbors, and say that what's happening is not normal.”
Bleecker highlighted the peaceful nature of the protest and praised the cooperation with authorities: “Our relationship with the Coral Springs police has been wonderful. Officer Peña, in particular, has been in close contact. They're here to protect us, not interfere.” She was also critical of recent presidential policies: “Challenging the Constitution is not normal. Treating immigrants without due process is not normal. Diverting Medicaid funds for a military parade… that’s not normal.”
A National Message with Local Focus
The demonstrations coincided with a parade in Washington D.C. celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which also marked Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. Organizers aimed to “highlight opposition to authoritarianism at a symbolic moment.”
Jennifer Jones, another organizer from Hope and Action Indivisible, stated: “We rise to say we disagree with what’s happening in our country right now. Many people in our community—immigrants, working families—are being targeted, and we're here to defend them.”
Jones estimated that more than 2,000 participated in Fort Lauderdale alone. Besides the aforementioned locations, gatherings were reported in Doral, West Kendall, and Homestead, where the meeting point was 100 Civic Court at 12:30 p.m.
Warnings of Potential Unrest
The protests unfolded against a backdrop of moderate tension following warnings from Florida state authorities about the 2021 “anti-riot” law, which permits criminal charges against protestors if actions lead to violence. However, no major incidents were reported at any of the protest sites, with police primarily engaged in monitoring and support roles.
Understanding the No Kings Movement
What is the No Kings movement?
The No Kings movement is a national initiative opposing authoritarianism in the United States, advocating for the protection of democracy and constitutional rights.
Why are people protesting in Florida?
Protesters in Florida are rallying against what they see as authoritarian actions and policies under President Donald Trump, seeking to defend democracy and constitutional rights.