PHILADELPHIA (AP/ KYW Newsradio) — “No Kings” protests against the Trump administration are set to take place all over the country on Saturday. The biggest gatherings will be in Philadelphia, with tens of thousands of protesters set to march down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The protests coincide with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and his military parade in Washington to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary.
Tensions are high in the wake of nationwide protests over the last week against ICE and Trump’s policies. Mayor Cherelle Parker said the city will protect free speech — and she asks that people exercise that right peacefully.
“The Philadelphia Police Department will maintain public safety and order in our streets and in our neighborhoods,” she assured.
The march will begin gathering around 10 a.m. at LOVE Park by City Hall and make its way down the Parkway to Eakins Oval in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The rally and speeches are scheduled to start around 1 p.m. Scroll below for parking and road closure information.
District Attorney Larry Krasner didn’t mince words when talking about Trump, but he also called for peace, saying those who break the law will be held accountable.
“Whether that is an ICE agent who figures they can go beyond what the law permits, or that is an opportunistic criminal who would try to tuck in behind free speech protests that are lawful and appropriate, you’re going to have consequences,” he said.
During a protest earlier this week on Market Street, police arrested and cited 15 people, and they are still looking to identify a man who threw a traffic cone at a cop.
The city’s Office of Emergency Management has set up a messaging system for updates. Text "ReadyPhilly" to 888777 for alerts.
Why is it called ‘No Kings’?
The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
Protests earlier this year have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the now former leader of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, a government organization designed to slash federal spending. Protesters have called for Trump to be “dethroned” as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.
“They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services,” the group says on its website, referring to the Trump administration and its policies. “They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.”
Why are they protesting on Saturday?
The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country's democracy, according to a statement by organizers.
Organizers intend for the protests to counter the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration — which Trump has ratcheted up to include an expensive, lavish military parade. The event will feature hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft and thousands of soldiers. It also happens to be his 79th birthday and Flag Day.
“The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,” the “No Kings” website says. “On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
Where will the protests happen?
Protests in nearly 2,000 locations are scheduled around the country, from city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, organizers said.
No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., however, where the military parade will be held. The group says it will “make action everywhere else the story of America that day.”
“No Kings” plans instead to hold a flagship march and rally in Philadelphia to draw a clear contrast between its people-powered movement and what organizers described on their website as the “costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade” in Washington.
What is planned at the ‘No Kings’ protests?
People of all ages are expected to come together in the protest locations for speeches, marching, carrying signs and waving American flags, organizers said in a call Wednesday.
On the group's website, it says a core principle behind all “No Kings” events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation.
No weapons of any kind should be taken to “No Kings” events, according to the website.
How many people are expected to participate?
The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said. Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.
Philadelphia road closures
The following streets will be closed for setup starting at approximately 3 a.m. until approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14:
— Eakins Oval between Kelly Drive and MLK Drive (in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art)
— Kelly Drive inbound (closed at Fairmount Avenue)
The following streets will be closed for the march assembly area starting at approximately 10 a.m. until approximately 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14:
— Arch Street from 15th Street to 16th Street
— 16th Street from John F. Kennedy Boulevard to Cherry Street
— Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th Street to 17th Street
The following streets will be closed for the scheduled march starting at approximately 11:30 a.m. until approximately 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14:
— Benjamin Franklin Parkway (all lanes) from 18th Street to Eakins Oval (includes closures of cross streets)
The following streets will be closed for the rally starting at approximately 11:30 a.m. until approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14:
— 2200-2300 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (includes closures of cross streets)
— Spring Garden Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Benjamin Franklin Parkway
— 23rd Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Benjamin Franklin Parkway
— Kelly Drive (both directions) from Eakins Oval to Sedgley Drive
— Spring Garden Street Bridge (inbound)
Additional road closures may be implemented based on conditions and public safety considerations. Road closures will be lifted as streets are cleared of pedestrians and serviced.
Drivers should note any “Temporary No Stopping/Parking” signs. Vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours will be relocated.
Public transit
SEPTA bus routes in the Philadelphia Museum of Art area will be detoured from their normal routes beginning at 3 a.m. on Saturday, June 14. SEPTA bus routes through the Center City area will be detoured from their normal routes beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, through approximately 5 p.m.