Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) A peaceful yet boisterous crowd of as many as 8,000 people gathered in Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo on Saturday afternoon as part of a nationwide “No Kings” protest against the Trump administration.
The crowd braved biting cold late March weather for the nearly two-hour long event that included speeches, chants and songs. The event began in Niagara Square in front of Buffalo City Hall and shortly after noon, the crowd snaked its way down Delaware Avenue to just past Chippewa Street where ICE's Buffalo headquarters are located in the Delaware North Building and then worked its way down to South Elmwood Avenue and back to Niagara Square.
Many came with anti-President Trump signs and others urging the U.S. to stop bombing Iran.
The most common chant ..."This is what democracy looks like"
"The people came out in force because they are frustrated and they feel like their rights are being trampled on," said Timothy Priano, spokesman for Buffalo United Coalition, organizers of the local "No Kings" rally. "The first amendment guarantees us the right to peaceful protest and we are."
The Buffalo Police Department, who oversaw crowd control, reported no incidents
While the Buffalo Police estimated more than 2,000 people took part in the rally, Priano said Buffalo United Coalition pegged the crowd total at closer to 8,000.
"It was the largest crowd we've ever had," Priano said.
There were other "No Kings" rallies locally include ones in Niagara Falls, the Village of Wiliamsville, Lockport, Batavia and Springville.
Buffalo United Coalition also presented similar "No Kings" rallies last year.
To size and the peaceful nature of the crowd was inspiring said Janet Lenichek of Amherst.
"I remember the Vietnam and Watergate protests, but there was never a crowd like this, said Lenichek, 70. "It makes me feel good to know I am not alone in my feelings about what's going on."
Buffalo police closed the square to vehicular traffic until 2 p.m.
Crowds marched down Delaware Avenue as part of the local 'No Kings' rally
Photos and video: Jim Fink/WBEN
Mary Nowocien, left, and Jennifer Hogue, right from CWA Local 1168 were among the 'No Kings' rally participants.
Jim Fink/WBEN
A White House spokesperson described the planned protests as “Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions.”
