(WNDU) - Opponents of President Donald Trump’s administration rallied across the country on Saturday, including right here in Michiana.
The "No Kings" protests sought to reject "authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy," according to organizers .
They came in response to a military parade that was held on Saturday in Washington, D.C. for the Army’s 250th anniversary. The parade also coincided with President Trump’s 79th birthday.
The "No Kings" protests also came amid the military being deployed in Los Angeles as protestors there continue to rally against immigration sweeps.
South Bend
The Michiana Alliance for Democracy organized a rally at the Jon Hunt Memorial Plaza in downtown South Bend. Protesters chanted and held signs saying, "No Kings."
Protestors said President Trump is abusing his power as president by sending National Guard members to Los Angeles and cutting crucial budgets for healthcare and public broadcasting.
"My son has autism, and he is directly impacting what my child would be able to receive in terms of services," said Hannah Rohrer.
“We need to see each other to know that we’re not alone, and to show our legislators that we do not like what’s happening here,” said Nancy Duncan.
St. Joseph, Mich.
Protestors also lined the streets of St. Joseph, Mich., holding signs protesting President Trump and what they call "authoritarian action."
Southwest Michigan Indivisible organized the event. Their message was “no kings then, no kings now.”
Protesters waved their signs and chanted as drivers rolled through N. Main Street honking their horns.
WNDU 16 News Now spoke with a veteran and a marine about why he came out.
I think it's one of the civil liberties we definitely need to protect," said Steven Sarmiento. "People need to be able to voice their opinion, be able to speak their minds and disagree without the threat of being detained or incarcerated without any kind of due process.
Niles
Chants echoed through downtown Niles as hundreds filled 2nd and Main streets, rallying for the “No Kings Day” protest.
For 94-year-old Bev, this was her first-ever protest.
“I haven’t been down here at all — so yes, this is fun.” Bev said. “I mean, if we have to, we’ll be here every day, which they’re doing all over the world — isn’t that marvelous?”
Among the crowd was 20-year Army veteran Kenneth Peterson, who served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. He’s concerned about cuts to critical services.
“We’re taking resources away from people who need them — not just veterans,” Peterson said. “Medicaid, Medicare — you can’t keep operating this way.”
Just down the block in Niles, a small group of Trump supporters waved flags and shared their message.
I’m here because to me as a believer, as a Christian, this is spiritual warfare," one woman said. "If I can stand here and lift prayers to the heavenly realm for peace and unity in our country, that’s what I’m here for.
And despite their differences, two women on opposite sides of the street found common ground.
I think everybody is just here because we're all feeling something," one protestor said. "We just don't always know how to articulate it the way I wish we could.
The "No Kings" protests were held in all 50 states. A few other Michiana communities also held rallies, including Knox, LaGrange, Michigan City, and Warsaw.
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