4 ‘No Kings’ Protests To Be Held Saturday In New York City: What To Know

NEW YORK CITY — Protesters in New York City and across the country will take to the streets Saturday in “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.”

No Kings events in New York City include:

NO KINGS Columbia University

Where: Broadway and West 116th Street, New York, NY, 10027

When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

About: This event is for Columbia students, faculty, and alumni to rally together before traveling down to the main protest at Bryant Park.

NO KINGS New York City March

Where: Bryant Park, 5th Avenue & East 41st Street, New York, NY, 10018

When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

About: This is the main Manhattan protest.

New Orleans Funeral Second Line

Where: Grace Plaza, 42 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036

When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

About: This gathering, happening a block from the main protest at Bryant Park, will feature a New Orleans-inspired funeral second line parade, with Street Beat, a brass band, and black parasols and white handkerchiefs for protest attendees. This contingent will join with the main protest at Bryant Park.

"We are ready to mourn our losses under this administration and then cut loose and DANCE!" organizers said.

Queens Says: NO KINGS!! ~ Stop The Steal For Real

Where: MacDonald Park, 8720 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375

When: 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

About: The march will head from MacDonald Park in Forest Hills, down Queens Boulevard to Maple Grove Park (near the courts on Hoover Avenue) where there will be a rally as well.

NO KINGS, NO CUTS VISIBILITY EVENT

Where: Grand Army Plaza, on Union St. and Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215

When: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

About: This is not a march, but a stationary rally happening at Grand Army Plaza.

Note: organizers say this event is at capacity, and encourage additional protestors to attend the march in Manhattan.

NO KINGS Brooklyn

Where: Cadman Plaza West and Johnson Street, Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn, NY 11201

When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

About: This is the main Brooklyn protest.

Note: organizers say this event is at capacity, and encourage additional protestors to attend the march in Manhattan.

Organizers said a core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolence.

“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,” according to the website. “Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.”

More than 100 pro-democracy advocacy groups have signed on in support of No Kings. There won’t be a No Kings event in Washington, D.C., where the military parade and festivities are estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million.

As many as 200,000 people are expected to attend the celebration, which features the parade, fireworks, NFL players, fitness competitions and displays across the National Mall.

The parade itself will include 28 M1 Abrams main battle tanks weighing more than 60 tons apiece, 28 tracked Bradley Fighting Vehicles, 28 wheeled Stryker combat vehicles, four tracked M-109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers and other towed artillery. The Army said it is planning protective asphalt work and will put new rubber padding on the tanks’ metal tracks to try to minimize street damage.

More than 6,700 soldiers will travel from bases around the country to participate in the parade and festival. For each of the nation’s major conflicts, starting with the Revolutionary War. For each conflict, 60 soldiers will wear period uniforms supplied by an event company representing that war and be followed by 400 soldiers from their same base in present-day uniforms. BN

At the end of the parade, the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team will jump over the White House, landing near Trump to present him with a folded flag, and 250 new recruits or reenlisting service members will be sworn into the Army by Trump.

More than 50 helicopters and aircraft representing different wars will fly over the city — pairing up with the units on the ground as they pass the president.

Spending has become a flashpoint since it comes at a time when the Trump administration is slashing funding for personnel and programs across the federal government, including the Defense Department.

In testimony before the House Armed Services Committee last week, Army leaders defended the spending for the service branch’s 250th birthday celebration, saying it will boost recruitment. Some members of Congress argued that the money could be better spent on troops’ barracks or other priorities.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

Correction: This article previously stated that there are six protests happening on Saturday. There are four protests, and two events that feed into the other protests.

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