DENVER — Large crowds peacefully gathered in front of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver Saturday to take part in one of several anti-Trump “No Kings” rallies in Colorado and across the country.
Police in Denver posted a “Know Before You Go” bulletin ahead of the planned protest, reminding demonstrators that officers would be present and urging those participating to report suspicious or illegal activity.
Denver’s demonstration is one of several that took place in the U.S. ahead of a military parade to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary that coincides with the president's birthday.
The 50501 Movement orchestrating the protests says it picked the “No Kings” name to support democracy and speak out against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
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What to know about 'No Kings' protests scheduled across Colorado Saturday
Organizer Jennifer Bradley of Colorado 50501 stated that Denver's rally aims to unite the activist community.
"Instead of having a standard march and rally, what we're actually doing is bringing the community and the activist community together so people can find their fit, get involved, find what speaks to them, and get into the movement,” Bradley said.
The group gathered at the capitol and then marched westbound down Colfax Avenue, prompting several street closures in the area. Some RTD light rail lines were also impacted, including the D and H lines.
Similar rallies in other parts of Colorado drew thousands, including those in Colorado Springs, Longmont, Arvada, Broomfield and Northglenn.
Another rally, an ICE-OUT protest organized by the Denver chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, is scheduled to take place at the capitol later in the day.
The demonstrations come on the heels of protests that flared up across the country over federal immigration enforcement raids that began last week and Trump ordering the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles, where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire.
Denver7's Wanya Reese spoke with Fritz Mayer, the University of Denver (DU) Dean of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, about Saturday's rallies.
He said these protests and the possible long-term political impact on President Donald Trump remains uncertain.
"Whether he will be perceived as having made America great again by in the eyes, at least of some or, on the other hand, whether at some point, the excesses of the presidency come back to bite him," he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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