'Stop This Madness': Scores Turn Out For 'No Kings' Protest On North Fork

ORIENT, NY — Despite the rain, scores of residents turned out in Orient Saturday morning for a peaceful "No Kings" rally marked by resolve and unity.

Protesters on the North Fork and across the country took to the streets for the “No Kings” rallies nationwide to coincide with a military parade commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary that falls on Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. June 14 is also Flag Day.

“No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance,” according to organizers. “From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like.”

Carrying bright posters that read "Stop Trump," "Peaceful But Not Silent," "Stand Up For Science," "Money For Books, Not Millionaire Crooks," "Rejecting Kings Since 1776," "No Thrones, No Crowns, No Kings," and "Making Lying Wrong Again," among others, young and old turned out, some wearing crowns, for the event.

"This is what democracy looks like," they chanted, as motorists honked horns in support and the crowd cheered. "Love, not hate, can make America great."

When asked why she brought her grandson, Karen Intorcia, of Cutchogue, said: "I'm here for my grandson's future. And to stop this madness. It's insanity."

"We were so thrilled with the turnout in the drizzle," organizer Sarah Burnes said. "A whole busload of intrepid people came from Peconic Landing, and we think we had 250 to 300 people who came to stand up for our democracy and against autocracy. It's honestly a delight to demonstrate with my neighbors. I know we can right this ship of state."

Protests took place all across Long Island Saturday, including an event in Riverhead that drew about 1,000 participants.