Security tight at “No Kings” rallies nationwide

With 2,600 “No Kings” rallies planned nationwide on Saturday, security will be incredibly tight across the country. Brian Higgins, a security expert spoke with LiveNOW’s Josh Breslow about the preparations.

Millions of people took to the streets Saturday across the country for the “No Kings” protest marches.  

Saturday ‘No Kings’ rallies 

Big picture view:

The No Kings Day of Defiance are large single-day mobilizations that have taken place since President Donald Trump returned to office to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of the country’s democracy, according to a statement by organizers.

By the numbers:

More than 2,600 rallies were planned in cities large and small, organized by hundreds of coalition partners. They said rallies are being planned within a one-hour drive for most Americans.

The other side:

Trump’s Republican Party has been referring to the events as “Hate America” rallies. They have sought to portray participants in Saturday’s rallies as far outside the mainstream of American politics, and a main reason for the prolonged government shutdown, now in its 18th day.

Meanwhile:

The prolonged government shutdown is now in its 18th day, having closed federal programs and services. Democrats have refused to vote on legislation that would reopen the government as they demand funding for health care. Republicans say they are willing to discuss the issue later, only after the government reopens.

Who organized the ‘No Kings’ protests?

Local perspective:

“No Kings” protests were organized by Indivisible, a nonprofit coalition of political action groups, according to its website. 

According to the 50501 Movement website, the organization states that the core principle behind all “No Kings” events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation. No weapons of any kind should be taken to “No Kings” events, the website noted. 

What does ‘No Kings’ mean?

The backstory:

The “No Kings” theme was arranged by the 50501 Movement. Demonstrators have called for Trump to be “dethroned” as they compare his actions to those of a king and not a democratically elected president.

Who created the ‘No Kings’ name?

Dig deeper:

The term “No Kings” was coined by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of people who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.

Past ‘No Kings’ protests 

The backstory:

The first “No Kings” protests were June 14 in response to the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary military parade in Washington, D.C., which coincided with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

RELATED: No Kings protest crowds: Millions show up across US, organizers say

People of all ages joined protest locations for speeches, marching, carrying signs, and waving American flags, the Associated Press reported, citing a call from organizers.

Earlier this year, similar protests were held to condemn Trump and Elon Musk, the ex-leader of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, a government organization designed to slash federal spending. 

The Source: Information in this article was taken from the websites of the 50501 Movement and Indivisible. Additional background information was taken from previous FOX Television Station reportings and from The Associated Press.

PoliticsU.S.Donald J. Trump