Another ‘No Kings’ Protest Planned In The Caldwells (What To Know)

CALDWELLS, NJ — Another round of “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump are being planned across the nation this weekend, including a rally in Caldwell.

More than five million people attended thousands of events across the country during the first wave of protests in June, according to an estimate from the ALCU.

The second round of “No Kings” rallies will take place on Saturday, Oct. 18. A demonstration is scheduled for 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Bloomfield Avenue and Roseland Avenue in Caldwell (The Green). Learn more here.

The protests are being organized independently across the nation by local advocacy groups and community members. Dozens of national advocacy groups and nonprofits are supporting the rallies as “partners.”

Here’s why protesters are hitting the streets this weekend, organizers with NoKings.org say:

“In June, millions of everyday Americans from every walk of life peacefully took to the streets and declared with one voice: No Kings. The world saw the power of the people, and President Trump’s attempt at a coronation collapsed under the strength of a movement rising against his abuses of power. Now, he’s doubling down – sending militarized agents into our communities, silencing voters, and handing billionaires giveaways while families struggle. This isn’t just politics. It’s democracy versus dictatorship. And together, we’re choosing democracy.”

“A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action,” organizers add. “We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.”

According to the latest state election data, Essex County had 293,925 registered Democrats, 65,501 Republicans and 201,479 unaffiliated voters as of Oct. 1.

• Read More: ‘No Kings’ Protests Planned This Weekend Across NJ (What To Know)

PROTESTING THE PROTESTS

Essex County has become a hotbed for anti-Trump demonstrations since he took office earlier this year.

Some local residents have cheered for the protesters, but others say they support the president. There have also been complaints about the way the protests have been taking place – and their locations.

After demonstrators held a “Workers Over Billionaires” rally on Sept. 1 in Caldwell, several people called for more regulations on protesting at a borough council meeting (watch video footage here, comments begin around the 35-minute mark).

One resident questioned whether police required overtime to monitor the rally, which they did not, according to the town’s police director. He also asked if a permit was needed – which it was not, the town’s mayor replied.

A Caldwell resident complained about some of the signs that protesters were carrying, including accusations that Trump is a “pedo.”

“At what point do we hold these people accountable and at what point do we have a right to stop them?” she asked the council. “They say a lot of scary and unsafe things about our officials, police and firemen – at what point does it become not peaceful?”

Another resident suggested that the location of the rallies be moved, questioning if they would be upsetting to young children passing through the area.

Other political gatherings have recently taken place in Caldwell, including a candlelight vigil in remembrance of conservative pundit Charlie Kirk after his assassination last month.

• See Related: NJ Republicans Overwhelmingly Support MAGA Movement, Poll Finds

Nearby in West Caldwell, local residents and elected officials have also been embroiled in controversy over the ongoing protests.

The town council recently considered passing a law that would have forced demonstrators to pay the township a permit fee and agree to reimburse West Caldwell for “any reasonable and foreseeable expenses,” including police service, setup and cleanup costs. They would also be required to have $2 million in liability insurance and notify the township at least 30 days before the rally.

The proposed law drew some heavy criticism from civil rights advocates, who claimed it was unconstitutional and treats the First Amendment as a “privilege to be bought” – rather than a “right to be enjoyed.”

A crowded room of people spoke against the proposed law at a council meeting in September. A vote was eventually postponed and the proposal is “off the table,” the town’s mayor told Patch.

• See Related: NJ Town's Plan To Charge People For Protesting Is Off The Table – For Now

PROTESTER RIGHTS

Civil rights advocates have insisted that the right to protest is “critical to a functioning democracy” – and there are plenty of safeguards in place to protect it.

According to the ACLU of New Jersey, protestors have several protections under the First Amendment, but the government can place certain limits on individuals during a protest, like reasonable time, place or manner restrictions.

“For example, the government can stop you from protesting loudly late at night,” the nonprofit says.

“However, the government cannot place limits on the content of your speech,” the ACLU-NJ adds. “You are generally free to carry signs, banners or leaflets that have your message.”

Ordinarily, a “clear and present danger” of riot, disorder or threat to public safety is needed to break up a protest, the group says.

Protesters’ rights are the strongest when you are in what is considered to be a “traditional public forum,” such as a public street, public sidewalk, or public park.

Counter protesters also have the right to assemble and express their views. Police are supposed to treat protesters and counter protesters equally and are permitted to keep opposing groups separated.

• See Related: 'Know Your Protest Rights': New Jersey ACLU Shares Tips For Activists
• See Related: Police Followed Protocol During Controversial Protest, NJ Mayor Says

OTHER RECENT PROTESTS IN ESSEX COUNTY

A series of protests have been taking place against the Trump administration in Essex County since the president took office for his second term.

More than 1,200 rallies of various sizes took place across the United States on April 5, with some sources estimating the overall attendance at over a million people. Local “Hands Off!” protests were held in Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Maplewood, Montclair and West Caldwell. Read More: Anti-Trump Protesters Hit The Streets In Essex County (PHOTOS)

Another round of protests took place on April 19, with local rallies taking place in Bloomfield, Glen Ridge and West Caldwell. Read More: Protesters Bash Trump In 3 Essex County Towns Over Easter Holiday Weekend

A third major wave of protests happened on May 1, with two candidates for New Jersey governor attending rallies in Bloomfield and West Caldwell. Read More: ‘May Day’ Protests In Essex County Attract NJ Governor Candidates

The first wave of “No Kings” protests on June 14 included rallies in Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Newark, Montclair and South Orange. Read More: Essex County Residents Protest Trump At 'No Kings' Rallies

Organizers switched focus for the “Good Trouble” protests on July 17, which saw local events in Bloomfield, Caldwell, Montclair and Newark. Read More: ‘Good Trouble’ Rallies In Essex County Will Protest Trump, Honor Civil Rights Icon

The statewide “Hands Across New Jersey” rally crossed through several Essex County towns on Sept. 17. Read More: Human Chain Protest Will Cross Through Essex County

Essex County has also seen demonstrations in support of Trump, including a rally in Montclair organized by local GOP voters prior to the president’s Election Day victory. See Related: Jan. 6 Attendee Wants Street In His Hometown Renamed For Donald Trump

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