TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Thousands of people across the Capital Region turned out for what organizers call the ‘No Kings’ movement. According to the non-profit group Indivisible, more than 25,000 people joined protests across Guilderland, Saratoga Springs and Albany. In Troy, organizers said that about 2,000 people gathered at Riverfront Park.
The ‘No Kings’ rallies saw people nationwide as they gathered to voice their political views and call for government accountability.
Organizers said that the gathering is a push for democracy and community action. Co-Organizer Gabriel Sandoval went on to say, “People say that gathering and going to these rallies is not conducive to like real change and what we want to see. But what it really does is it shows the people locally that there are people everywhere that actually do want to see this type of change.”
Local republican leaders believe the rallies are divisive. Dr. James McGaughan, Albany County Republican Chairman, released a statement saying:
“While we strongly support everyone’s first amendment right to express themselves, it’s unclear what the intent was of today’s “No Kings” rallies. Many signs had vile symbols on them such as graphic sexual images and swastikas. I fail to see what today accomplished. We do not have a king. The current President was elected by an electoral and popular majority. The midterms are right around the corner and they could shift the balance of power. Hysteria aside, our government continues to operate properly.”
Dr. James McGaughan, Albany County Republican Chairman
Tom Kennedy, the Chairman of the Schenectady Republican Committee also released a statement on the ‘No Kings’ rallies:
“These demonstrations only serve to polarize our country, at a time when we should be trying to lower the temperature in politics, Democrats are pushing the needle so far left, everyone loses. We see that now with the government shut down. It’s time we try to see each other as fellow citizens before real harm is done to our nation.”
Tom Kennedy, the Chairman of the Schenectady Republican Committee
Attendees of Troy’s protest said that they came out to take part in a peaceful and community-driven movement. “I think that peaceful protests like this, for the most part, are more civil and allow us to demonstrate in a manner that’s more respectful of our democracy.” said Troy resident Reggie Knight.
After a line-up of speakers and activists, protesters marched from Riverfront Park across the Green Island Bridge. Coordinators say the march was a symbolic route inspired by the past. “We’re inspired by the 1960s civil rights movement, where marching was very prevalent to march on bridges, on streets, to express our message in a more dramatic way.” said Co-Organizer Bryan Paz-Hernandez.
Beyond politics, organizers also focused on giving back — collecting food donations for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.
Including the Capital Region, over 2,700 different ‘No Kings’ protests took place across the country on Saturday.