More than 2,000 demonstrators gathered around Lexington’s Battle Green on Saturday, organizers estimated, joining a nationwide wave of protests against the Trump administration. The location, where the first shots were fired in the American Revolution, was particularly resonant given the movement’s slogan: “No Kings.”
Saturday’s protest comes amid growing backlash to President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly his immigration crackdown, and follows months of organized demonstrations, including the “Hands Off!” rallies in April, which mobilized tens of thousands nationwide.
Protests escalated after June 6, when demonstrations in Los Angeles prompted Trump to deploy the National Guard and Marines without the approval of California Governor Gavin Newsom. The move drew immediate criticism from lawmakers across the country.
Massachusetts State Representative Michelle Ciccolo condemned the President’s decision. “[It is] appalling, completely inappropriate, offensive, and absolutely dangerous. He’s creating a public safety nightmare that is unacceptable,” Ciccolo told LexObserver at Saturday’s rally.
Ciccolo encouraged continued civic engagement, stressing the historical effectiveness of protest. “Sometimes people feel like protests don’t work, but we actually know that they do. There’s an important study called the three and a half percent rule…” she added, referencing research that shows mass nonviolent resistance movements can be powerful forces for change.
For many demonstrators, the event was deeply personal. Jade Do, a Lexington resident and Vietnam War refugee, said the administration’s immigration policies are at odds with the country that welcomed her as a young child.
“It’s heart-wrenching that we are denying families and people who are dying to come to the US for a future,” Do told LexObserver. “America used to be a safe haven.”
Marilyn Bannan, an Arlington resident and cancer survivor, felt compelled to attend because of the administration’s cuts to scientific research. She credited her recovery to cancer research funded by federal programs.
“I’m grateful to Dana Farber because of their persistence in the research that was specific to the type of cancer I had,” Bannan said. “It’s upsetting that so many people are suffering because of these decisions coming out of Washington.”
Organizers made sure to keep Lexington’s No Kings protests safe, helping people cross the street and not blocking walkways. Toby Sackton, President of Lexington Alarm and among those coordinating, highlighted how the large crowd remained orderly.
“All these people in town are being very respectful. We’re not blocking traffic. There’s free passage,” Sackton said.
As chants of “No Kings” rang out across Lexington and the US, Trump oversaw a military parade along the National Mall in Washington DC, which coincided with his 79th birthday.
“He’s breaking laws, violating the Constitution, and taking powers that don’t belong to the President,” said Kathleen Dalton, a board member of the Lexington Lyceum Advocates.
“This is an impressive showing of people who are strongly resistant to the attempted police state by Trump,” she said.
I’ve seen a figure that ~11 million Americans attended No Kings rallies, along with aerial photos of huge rallies in major cities across the country, including Boston.
It’s good to read that 2000 people attended the rally in Lexington. There might have been more but there was a signup system which listed Lexington as being full when I tried to sign up, so I rallied in Bedford. Bedford did not have anywhere near 2000 people–I’d say it was more like 150 at most when I was there. The mood there was quite upbeat.
Its too bad some people with fringe views ruined the No Kings protest in Lexington. As an American Israeli and longtime Lexington resident, I felt completely unwelcomed at that demonstration despite my opposition to to Trump’s slide to authoritarianism. Giant Free Palestine flags flown in the main town intersection and a sign that demonized Israel had no place in this protest and only served to divide instead of unify. I’m sure many others felt that way. The organizers should do a better job keeping the message on point or risk losing participation.
Why does a Free Palestine flag make you uncomfortable?
I was in Boston not Lexington, but the point of keeping the message on message is, I believe, valid. Bringing in other issues dilutes the primary message of the event.