Central Oregon residents join ‘No Kings’ protests across the region
Claire Elmer
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Saturday, the ‘No Kings’ movement organized protests across the country, including five cities in Central Oregon.
Residents of La Pine, Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras came out to protest President Trump’s recent controversial actions, including federal funding cuts.
In Redmond, city sidewalks were lined with protesters for over two blocks.
KTVZ News spoke with event organizers in Redmond about their intentions and goals for the protests.
“We came together because we are very concerned as Redmond residents about what’s happening with the Trump administration,” Jennifer Laverdure with Indivisible Redmond told KTVZ News.
Sandy Chang, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, was also present at the Redmond event. “We are a country ruled by the constitution, which means there’s no king. Ultimately, President Trump serves the constitution and the people of the United States. We do not serve him,” said Chang.
Both Laverdure and Chang shared the sentiment that the event was “already a success” given the number of residents who showed up in Redmond. “I think this is an amazing display of American people showing what democracy looks like,” said Chang.
While there was a small police presence at the Redmond event as a precaution, protesters remained peaceful and orderly.
In Bend, the events started with a community action fair at drake park. Multiple speakers took to the stage, sharing messages in support of democracy with the audience.
Following the speeches, chants of ‘no kings’ and ‘this is what democracy looks like’ rang out as the crowd started their march toward Peace Corner.
Though KTVZ News is unable to confirm, event organizers say there were between 300-500 people in attendance in Redmond, and approximately 6,000 in Bend.
Local supporters of President Trump planned a Ride and Drive event during the ‘No Kings’ protests to show their support of Trump and celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday and Flag Day. That event’s plans changed due to the Cascade Classic Cycling Criterium held in downtown Bend. The organizer of that event did respond to KTVZ News’ request for comment, simply stating they would be ‘celebrating’ and did not want to be considered a counter-protest.