On the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 18, more than 3,400 people participated in a “No Kings” rally along Highway 41 in Chaska, according to event organizers. This was a large increase over the last nationally-coordinated rally in June when an estimated 2,100 protested.
The rally – one of about 20 in the Twin Cities area and 2,500 across the United States – was organized to protest the Trump administration’s policies and what participants view as an overreach of the president’s power.
Many news outlets estimated millions of people participated across the country amid an ongoing government shutdown and Trump’s push to deploy the National Guard to some American cities.
In Chaska, people lined the sidewalk from Pioneer Trail to Hazeltine Boulevard (and even beyond). In many areas, there were multiple layers of people lined up. The mood was upbeat. Many participants carried signs or flags, some wore costumes and a steady stream of vehicles honked in support as they drove by. Chaska Police were on hand to help ensure safety.
Several participants shared thoughts for why they came to the event:
- “I want to be part of the solution and make others aware of how a groundswell of support can be empowering.” – Jenny
- “I want my granddaughters to be able to live in a better country.” – Vicki
- “I’m here for myself and my kids. I want to make sure they inherit a democratic nation.” – Beth
- “I think it’s important to protest for your beliefs.” – Daphne (an elementary school age participant.)
“We started last March, hoping that Tom Emmer would stand up and defend the role that Congress is supposed to play in our three branches of government,” said Sally Johnson, who organizes the weekly rallies in the same area. “Instead, every week Trump used executive orders to end programs, fire people and create no-bid contracts for his buddies. The corruption has continued, with threats to network news, law firms and schools and even comedians.”
“We are here today and every Saturday to stand up against this. Emmer needs to do better,” she said as she encouraged constituents to contact Emmer’s office.
“This is what democracy looks like,” said another organizer Judith Koppen.
