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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Uptown Charlotte was filled with chants, flags and handmade signs Saturday as part of the nationwide “No Kings 2” rallies, protesting policies under President Donald Trump’s administration.
House Speaker Republican Mike Johnson criticized the national protests, calling them “hate America” rallies
“I’m not sure how anybody can refute that,” Johnson said.
Dozens of cities across North Carolina saw marches and rallies, including Raleigh and Charlotte.
Indivisible Charlotte and community partners organized a march from First Ward Park through Uptown.
Hardin Minor is the founder of Charlotte Earth Day. Minor is singing and showing his love for America ahead of the “No Kings” rally at First Ward Park. (Spectrum News 1/Jennifer Roberts)
Organizers said the focus was on peaceful expression and unity, where participants could safely exercise their First Amendment rights.
“We want people to come and feel safe in the environment of speaking out and being heard, taking [an important] part in their community,” said Tony Siracusa, the group’s media director.
Siracusa said the organization worked with Charlotte-Mecklenburg police for nearly two months to ensure the events occurred safely and peacefully.
Organizers also estimated growing turnout since the first “No Kings” rally in June.
Siracusa said more than 3,000 people registered online for the previous event, with an estimated 7,000 attending.
He said registration for this weekend’s march was up 33%.
“There’s no telling how sizeable the crowd can be,” Siracusa said.
Among those marching was Hardin Minor, founder and director of Charlotte Earth Day.
Minor said one reason he joined the march is concern over environmental decisions made by the current administration.
“It just seems a little bit backward thinking to me for some of the actions that are taking place,” Minor said.
Minor was seen proudly dressed in red, white and blue, holding signage that read “We love America.”
Minor hopes the nationwide marches encourage more people from all backgrounds and political affiliations to unite for the greater good of the country.
“The American eagle needs two wings to fly, a right wing and a left wing, and a strong center. That’s what it’s all about. We need each other and we want to connect with all of you in America with our positive message of let’s support our country and our democracy together,” Minor said.
Indivisible Charlotte organizers said that aside from a few health-related responses, there were no major disruptions during the event.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has not yet released information about crowd size or emergency calls tied to the rally.
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Jennifer Roberts
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