The second round of “No Kings” protests was held in communities across the nation on Saturday, with at least a dozen in Western Pennsylvania.
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Organizers of the “Pittsburgh Says No Kings” protest expected around 5,000 demonstrators to gather downtown Saturday.
While an official crowd estimate has not yet been released, hundreds of people marched outside the City-County Building with a clear message: strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s recent actions.
The protest was part of a nationwide movement held in more than 2,600 cities across the country.
Participants say they are standing up for democracy and against what they view as executive overreach.
“What’s more American than standing up for your right to free speech and protesting injustice where you feel it is happening?” said Deb, a demonstrator who joined the march in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Protesters marched to Mellon Square, carrying handmade signs and props calling for the protection of civil rights and democratic values.
“I disagree strongly with some of the policies that are in,” Deb said. “The ICE actions, deploying troops in states where the governors didn’t want them to come.”
Mike McDermott, another demonstrator, expressed frustration with lawmakers.
“I’ve written to congressmen and senators. Nothing changes,” McDermott said. “This is embarrassing. This isn’t American.”
Speakers at the Pittsburgh rally included U.S. Congressperson Summer Lee, as well as representatives from the ACLU and CASA San José, an organization that supports the Latin American community in the region.
Around 10,000 people showed up to Pittsburgh’s first “No Kings” rally in June.
In McCandless, nearly 800 people gathered at McCandless Crossing along McKnight Road, according to police.
Like the Pittsburgh rally, the protest remained peaceful.
One demonstrator told Channel 11, “We don’t need a king. We need peace. We need love.”
Rachelle Jordan brought her family to the rally.
She said she hoped young people understood the importance of standing together.
“They need to see this and grow up and know we are all one,” Jordan said. “If you cut us, we all bleed.”
Jordan’s 88-year-old mother-in-law also spoke about her reasons for joining the protest.
“I don’t want people saying we hate America,” she said. “We, who are out here, we love it. We don’t want it to go downhill.”
There were at least a dozen demonstrations across Western Pennsylvania Saturday.
Protesters also gathered at the Westmoreland County Courthouse in Greensburg.
Along with protesting the federal government, protesters were also on hand to speak out against the ongoing state budget stalemate.
One educator said the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit is on the verge of layoffs because of the lack of a budget.
“These effects of the budget not being passed are going to have detrimental effects on special needs students in Westmoreland County,” said Terri Pajak. “Our students and our families are going to suffer because of this.”
Organizers said it was the largest demonstration they’ve seen yet, saying they believed around 1,200 people showed up.
Demonstrators also came out in Uniontown, where organizers said that, even in rural areas, voices can be heard.
“There are no kings in America, since 1776. We will not stand for a dictatorship, and we the people will not be quiet,” said Tracy Wilson, president of the Democratic Women of Fayette County.
They also pressed the elections this November as a way to make their message clear, reminding everyone to vote on Nov. 4.
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