A No Kings protest took place Saturday, Oct. 18, in Moscow as part of nation-wide protests against policies made by U.S. President Donald Trump. According to CNN, there were more than 2,700 events in all 50 states, with nearly 7 million people in attendance. About 400 people attended the Moscow protest and came from local communities such as Pullman, Clarkston and Grangeville.
The protest was organized by the Indivisible movement in Moscow, which had also arranged the previous No Kings protest held in June.
Protesters met at Ghormley Park at 11 a.m., where they organized into three groups to take up posts on Pullman Road, at the intersections of Stadium Drive and Line Street, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The third group walked along the Paradise Creek Trail to Pullman.
“Trump and his team are out there spreading fear every day. It’s essential that we meet their attacks with bravery, heart and patriotism,” said Ryan Urie, a co-leader of Indivisible in Moscow.
“Many people in Washington, D.C., are calling this the ‘hate America’ protest, but this isn’t about hating anyone. Not MAGA, not ICE, not even Trump. We’re here for freedom, justice, the Constitution and America as a whole,” said Urie.
A diverse range of issues was protested including the increased government funding for military expenses at the cost of education and civil services; support of migrant and minority communities; seeking an end to the Ukraine war and Palestine genocide; the impeachment of Trump; and the reaffirming of American ideals of freedom and justice for all.
“I’m tired of what’s going on. I want to be with others of the same mind that want to go forward after the protest and not just stop here,” said Chris Rollins, a student at the University of Idaho.
The rally began with a performance from the local Peace Band, as well as singing the National Anthem and other patriotic songs including “This Land is Your Land.” Café Artista brought free coffee, hot chocolate and snacks to the event to help protesters endure the windy 48 degree Fahrenheit weather.
“About six months ago, I heard Rachel Maddow say we all needed to do something to stand up for democracy,” said Bev Bafus, co-owner of Café Artista. “Well, I can make coffee. I have a space, so I figured I just do all that I can for this country.”
Lauren Trell, a Pullman local, was there to express his fear after losing his healthcare in September.
“I wake up every day and I’m afraid of what’s on the news,” Trell said. “At some point, you realize what you have to do for yourself. I started saying how I felt and that I need help, and now I’m here, truly trying my best to fight for what I believe in.”
Rebecca Saunders is visiting Moscow from Chicago to see family, but still wanted to participate in the nationwide movement. “I just am delighted to see such an energy from Moscow. We’re all in this together to fight for justice and the constitution, and these small towns are always where it counts the most,” said Saunders.
A small group of counter protesters were present among the crowd and were vocal in their support of ICE and anti-abortion policies. Some brought signs of Charlie Kirk.
Austin Kieckhefer can be reached at [email protected].