Events are planned in cities nationwide Saturday as part of the latest “No Kings” protests, including over a dozen rallies across the Charlotte region.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Organizers across the Charlotte area are planning demonstrations Saturday as part of the latest “No Kings” protests, a growing series of rallies aimed at opposing President Donald Trump and his administration.
The March 28 protests come as lawmakers continue to bicker over a deal to end the partial government shutdown, following protests that drew millions of participants last year. According to the No Kings website, over a dozen protests are planned across the Charlotte area on Saturday, including a demonstration at First Ward Park from noon until 3 p.m.
The demonstrations mark the third major national day of action in the No Kings movement, which organizers say has grown steadily since its first mobilization drew more than five million people last June.
“No Kings” protests in North Carolina
“No Kings” protests in South Carolina
Advocacy groups, including Indivisible, 50501 and several labor and civil-rights organizations say the marches are intended to highlight concerns over immigration enforcement, voting rights, economic issues and other policies, while also emphasizing free speech and the First Amendment.
“As President Trump escalates his attempts to control us, it is on us, the people, to show that we will fight to protect one another and our country,” the official No Kings website said.
Organizers say more than 3,000 nonviolent protests are expected nationwide, potentially making the mobilization one of the largest single-day protest actions in recent U.S. history.
People looking to find a nearby rally can visit NoKings.org, which features an interactive map where users can enter their ZIP code to locate local events. A separate map is also available at mobilize.us/nokings/map/.
How to watch No Kings Protest coverage
WCNC Charlotte will have coverage of protests in the DC region streaming on WCNC+ and the WCNC Charlotte app from noon until at least 3 p.m. Saturday with reports from Charlotte, Fort Mill and Union County. We’ll also include a look at protests in other parts of the country during our special coverage.
Where can you legally protest in North Carolina?
Free speech protections exist in public spaces like sidewalks, streets and parks, because they are known as “traditional public forums,” according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). You also typically have the right to protest on public plazas near government buildings, as long as the protest does not block access or disrupt government operations.
As for private property, the property owner decides whether speech or protest is allowed there.
Do you need a permit to protest?
No, if you are on sidewalks and most parks.
But yes, you do need a permit if you are blocking streets, have a very large crowd, or are using amplified sound at certain designated parks or plazas.
Can you wear a mask at a protest?
North Carolina lawmakers passed a law last year that you cannot wear a mask during protests unless it’s for health or religious reasons.
If you are wearing a mask for those reasons, if a police officer asks you to remove it to identify you, you must take it off, or you could be arrested.
Can you take photos or videos during protests?
If you are lawfully in a public space, you have the right to photograph or record anything in plain view, including police officers and federal buildings, according to the ACLU. But private property owners can set their own rules about photos or video.
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