Grassroots organizers are planning a series of “No Kings” protests across Georgia on Saturday, October 18. The gatherings are part of a national day of action focused on democracy, checks and balances, and government accountability, organizers said.
The events, which follow a similar round of demonstrations in June, are organized by local Indivisible chapters and partner groups. Indivisible North Metro organizer Laura Judge said the goal is to remind participants that power in America rests with its citizens, not any single leader.
“We have no kings, no thrones, no crowns here in America,” Judge said. “That’s what this country was founded on, and we’re going to push back against the authoritarianism we see.”
Local gatherings
At least 40 No Kings protests are scheduled across Georgia. In Northeast Georgia, local rallies are scheduled in Lavonia (11 a.m.–1 p.m.), Cleveland (11 a.m.–2 p.m.), Gainesville (3–4:30 p.m.), and Athens (11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Organizers describe these events as peaceful assemblies featuring short remarks, music, and community discussions rather than large-scale marches.
Similar gatherings are planned in Atlanta, Macon, Savannah, Columbus, Albany, and Augusta, along with smaller sign-waving and courthouse-steps events in suburban and rural towns. Nationally, more than 2,600 “No Kings” events are planned, though organizers emphasize that each local action reflects its own community’s concerns.
Political backdrop
The protests come amid heightened political tension in Washington, where a prolonged government shutdown has closed federal programs and sparked debate over the limits of executive power. President Donald Trump, spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, addressed the criticism in a Fox News interview Friday, saying, “They say they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.”
Republican leaders have dismissed the demonstrations as partisan attacks. From the White House to Capitol Hill, GOP officials have labeled participants “communists” and “Marxists,” with House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana calling it a “Hate America rally.” Johnson added, “Let’s see who shows up for that,” describing the expected crowd as “antifa types” and “people who hate capitalism.”
Democrats, meanwhile, have characterized the gatherings as patriotic expressions of civic engagement. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders described the movement as “a love America rally,” saying it reflects citizens who “believe in our Constitution and are not going to let Donald Trump turn this country into an authoritarian society.”
Focus on civic engagement
Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin said the demonstrations are meant to show that ordinary citizens remain active despite political divisions and government gridlock. “There is no greater threat to an authoritarian regime than patriotic people-power,” he said.
Organizers in Northeast Georgia say they expect modest but steady participation, emphasizing discussion and civic connection over confrontation. They describe the gatherings as opportunities for residents to share concerns, meet neighbors, and reaffirm their belief in representative government.
AP and GBP News contributed to this article
