On Saturday, rallies across the country protested against President Trump and his administration, drawing large crowds united in their opposition. One of the biggest gatherings took place in conservative Douglas County, Colorado, where thousands of people from Parker and Castle Rock came together for the “No Kings” protests.
Despite being in a traditionally conservative area, the event was peaceful and provided a platform for people with various concerns to voice their opinions.
Protests in Conservative Douglas County
The rallies in Douglas County, organized by Heidi Bonilla, were expected to draw around 1,000 people. However, the turnout far exceeded that estimate, with thousands of people gathering in the towns of Parker and Castle Rock.
These protests were part of a nationwide movement aimed at voicing opposition to President Trump’s policies and leadership. Despite being held in a conservative region, the rallies were peaceful and provided an opportunity for individuals to show their discontent with the current administration.
A Sense of Unity
For many, the rallies were an empowering experience, reminding them that they were not alone in their opposition. One protester shared their feelings of solidarity, saying, “There are thousands of us just here and in Parker right now.
That feels so good to know we are not alone; we are not a minority in this county the way we’re portrayed.” The event gave people a chance to come together and take a stand on issues they care deeply about, while also expressing their dissatisfaction with the president.
Diverse Concerns Voiced
The rallies in both Castle Rock and Parker provided a platform for people to voice a wide range of concerns. Some protesters focused on specific issues like military veterans’ rights and healthcare funding. A U.S. Air Force veteran, for example, attended the rally to honor fallen soldiers, saying, “To me, that’s the reason why I’m wearing this; don’t forget about the fallen.
And he doesn’t care about the military.” Other attendees, like one advocate for Alzheimer’s research, expressed frustration with reductions in funding for medical research under the Trump administration. “I am not going to accept reductions in funding for Alzheimer’s research from this administration,” the protester said.
A Day of Protest
The protests in Castle Rock and Parker attracted people from various other areas, with many participants attending multiple rallies throughout the day. Several protesters who spoke with CBS Colorado shared that they had started their day at rallies in other nearby cities, like Littleton or Parker, before making their way to Castle Rock to continue showing their support for the cause.
This sense of dedication and unity across different rallies highlights the strength of the movement.
The “No Kings” rallies in Douglas County were a testament to the growing opposition to President Trump and his administration, even in traditionally conservative areas. The peaceful protests provided an important space for individuals to express their concerns, whether they were related to military, healthcare, or other issues.
The large turnout, with people joining forces from different parts of the Denver metro area, showed that many Americans are eager to take a stand for the issues they care about.