PHILADELPHIA — Thousands of people marched through Philadelphia as part of the “No Kings Day of Peaceful Action,” a nationwide movement involving nearly 2,500 locations.
The event was a follow-up to “No King rallies held in June on President Donald Trump’s birthday, to counter a military parade.
Though the parade coincided with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, critics claim Trump pushed the pageantry for personal reasons.
“I can’t stand what’s going on in this country; our voices had to be here,” said Ilene Wilder from South Philadelphia.
“We shouldn’t be living in a society where we’re scared to voice our opinion, where reporters are being shut out because they don’t believe in what’s going on. That’s not America,” said Daniela Loveridge from New York.
Indivisible Philadelphia organized this action to protest against what they call escalating authoritarianism in America.
“I’m very worried about the threat to democracy,” said Brian Pickett from South Philadelphia.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner joined the march, which went from City Hall to Independence Mall down Market Street.
“I’m out here primarily to make sure everything is peaceful, everything is calm,” he said.
He added he believes marches like this can make a political difference.
“It’s essential that people keep coming out in larger and larger numbers and they’re doing so peacefully in the tradition of Dr. King,” he said.
Upon arriving at Independence Mall, protestors joined a rally featuring community leaders and politicians.
“You have a lot more voice and a lot more power than you realize,” said Congressman Brendan Boyle.
As protestors packed Independence Mall, there was a significant police presence. The Philadelphia Police Department says it increased staffing for this event, saying they wanted to be prepared for anything.
Protestors said they’re exercising their peaceful right to be heard.
“I don’t see any benefit to this political climate right now. Everything costs me more, I don’t feel safe a lot, I just think it’s time for a change,” said Janice Steinberg from Glenside.
