‘We don’t do kings in America’: Central Oregonians join nationwide ‘No Kings’ rallies
KTVZ
(Correction: The courtesy images previously attributed to Larry Cole were incorrectly credited. The correct attribution is Aaron Knouse.)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Thousands of Central Oregonians took to the streets Saturday for “No Kings” rallies protesting the Trump administration. Demonstrations were held across the High Desert in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties.
In Bend, demonstrators gathered at Drake Park for a “Community Action Fair.” The event featured speakers, music and sign-making before marching to Peace Corner.
Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, speaking at KTVZ studios in Bend, called the turnout “a powerful display of our First Amendment in action.” She added, “People are showing what they believe in and asking what kind of country they want to help shape. For me, that’s about building a better future for America’s children.”
In Redmond, more than 1,200 people filled downtown streets.
“We’re part of a nationwide day of demonstrations by millions of people all saying the same thing: we don’t do kings in America,” said Jen Laverdure with Indivisible Redmond.
About 200 people attended a rally in La Pine, which featured Senator Jeff Merkley, while roughly 1,000 gathered in Prineville. Attendance figures for Bend and Madras are still being finalized.
This follows the nationwide “No Kings” protests on June 14, held on President Donald Trump’s birthday to oppose actions taken by his administration.
Organizers said Saturday’s participation was roughly two million higher than at the first No Kings demonstrations held in June, making it one of the largest single-day protest movements in U.S. history. All events were registered as lawful and peaceful, with coordination among local authorities.