On Saturday, a large crowd of protesters gathered at the Texas Capitol in Austin, marking the “No Kings” rally in opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration. The rally, which attracted an estimated 20,000 participants, also included a march through downtown Austin, where demonstrators voiced strong opposition to Trump’s policies.
Despite a brief evacuation of the Capitol complex due to a death threat made against state lawmakers, the event ended largely peacefully. Here’s a closer look at the rally’s significance, its impact on Austin, and the broader scope of protests that took place across Texas and the U.S.
The “No Kings” Rally and Its Message
The No Kings rally in Austin was part of a nationwide protest organized by the Indivisible group and the grassroots collective 50501, aimed at showing opposition to Trump’s policies. The event in Austin was specifically organized by Hands Off Central Texas and took place on the south steps of the Texas Capitol.
The theme of the protest was centered around opposing the Trump administration, with speeches denouncing policies on immigrant rights, transgender rights, and protesters’ rights.
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, State Rep. John Bucy, and Austin City Council Member Zo Qadri were among the local Democratic leaders who addressed the crowd. Throughout the event, protestors held signs, waved flags, and played drums while expressing their frustration with the current administration. Many also voiced their support for marginalized communities, particularly immigrants.
The rally was not only about protest but also about solidarity, with speakers emphasizing the need to protect rights and push back against what they considered harmful policies. Monica Castillo, an Austin resident, explained that she was protesting on behalf of her family members who are undocumented, saying they were too scared to attend the protest themselves.
The March and Its Impact
After the rally officially concluded, protesters marched through downtown Austin for another two hours. The spontaneous march was not initially planned but seemed to gain momentum as demonstrators continued their demonstrations. Although the march was peaceful overall, there were some tense moments when Austin police and state troopers tried to control the crowd, especially near the J.J. Pickle Federal Building—home to a local ICE office.
As protesters gathered, chemical agents (likely tear gas) were deployed to disperse the crowd, and some demonstrators were threatened with arrests if they didn’t remain on the sidewalks.
Despite these incidents, the Austin Police Department reported that the event remained largely peaceful, with only minor disturbances caused by a few agitators. At least one counterprotester was detained during the demonstrations, but overall, the protest was considered a success in terms of its nonviolent nature.
The Threat and Its Impact
In the lead-up to the protest, a credible death threat was made against lawmakers scheduled to attend, prompting a temporary evacuation of the Capitol complex. State troopers arrested a suspect in La Grange, Texas, approximately 65 miles southeast of Austin.
This added tension to the day’s events, especially following the tragic shooting of two state lawmakers in Minnesota earlier that day. The threat against Texas lawmakers resulted in heightened security measures and concerns for their safety.
In response to the Minnesota shootings, Texas House Democrats issued a letter calling on Governor Greg Abbott to strengthen security for state lawmakers. This incident highlighted the broader concerns about safety for elected officials during times of heightened political division.
Other Protests Across Texas
The “No Kings” protest was not confined to Austin alone. Several other cities across Texas saw significant demonstrations, including in San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, and Fort Worth. In San Antonio, the protest remained peaceful, with some participants celebrating with an impromptu cumbia dance party as the rally dispersed.
In Dallas, 10,000 people gathered to demonstrate, while Houston saw a turnout of around 15,000 protesters, according to local reports. In Fort Worth, a group of women dressed as handmaidens from Margaret Atwood’s “Handmaid’s Tale” carried a banner with the powerful message, “We The People Were Not Meant to Kneel.”
The “No Kings” rally in Austin, alongside protests in other Texas cities, demonstrated the continued discontent with the Trump administration and policies that many see as harmful to marginalized communities. Despite a few tense moments, including the death threat that led to a Capitol evacuation, the protests remained peaceful.
Activists and demonstrators emphasized that their work is far from over, with local organizer Paul Vonder Haar stating, “This is the beginning.” As protests continue to take place across the nation, it’s clear that the fight for rights and justice remains a critical issue for many Americans.
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