Rhode Islanders join nationwide ‘No Kings’ protest

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Thousands made their way to the Rhode Island State House for a “No Kings” rally to protest the Trump Administration.

The demonstration was one of nearly 2,000 held around the country coinciding with the president’s military parade in Washington D.C.

“There should be no kings in the United States government and I feel like a lot of our constitutional rights are being ignored as U.S. citizens,” Emery Christian of Warwick said.

Each person had their own frustrations with the administration.

“My husband was in the military, served twice in Vietnam,” Barbara Bourgery said. “My son served twice in Iraq, and I don’t think they’re being treated fairly.”

Ken Garlick and a small group of protesters made their way from Prudence Island.

“Like so many of the people here, it’s gone beyond politics at this point,” he said. “I hope we can get past that polarization and see the reality of what’s going on with this country.”

But not everyone in the state agrees with that sentiment, including RIGOP Chairman Joe Powers.

“I genuinely don’t think people understand exactly what it is they’re protesting, I’m thoroughly confused over it myself,” he said. “If they think he’s acting like a king, they should probably go live under the reign of a king to find exactly the authoritative way of life they’ll go about it.”

Regardless of opinion, protestors like Garlick think it is important to stand up for what you believe in.

“A lot of people are intimidated by that, they’re afraid to offend neighbors or people they know, but at some point you get beyond that, you have to let people know, and that’s what I hope this does,” he said. “Other people that are unsure of how that can react, this is how they can react.”