TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Thousands of people across the Capital Region turned out for what organizers call the ‘No Kings’ movement. According to the non-profit group Indivisible, more than 25,000 people joined protests across Guilderland, Saratoga Springs and Albany. In Troy, organizers said that about 2,000 people gathered at Riverfront Park.
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The ‘No Kings’ rallies saw people nationwide as they gathered to voice their political views and call for government accountability.
Organizers said that the gathering is a push for democracy and community action. Co-Organizer Gabriel Sandoval went on to say, “People say that gathering and going to these rallies is not conducive to like real change and what we want to see. But what it really does is it shows the people locally that there are people everywhere that actually do want to see this type of change.”
‘No Kings’ protests against Trump bring a street party vibe to cities nationwide
Local republican leaders believe the rallies are divisive. Dr. James McGaughan, Albany County Republican Chairman, released a statement saying:
Tom Kennedy, the Chairman of the Schenectady Republican Committee also released a statement on the ‘No Kings’ rallies:
Attendees of Troy’s protest said that they came out to take part in a peaceful and community-driven movement. “I think that peaceful protests like this, for the most part, are more civil and allow us to demonstrate in a manner that’s more respectful of our democracy.” said Troy resident Reggie Knight.
After a line-up of speakers and activists, protesters marched from Riverfront Park across the Green Island Bridge. Coordinators say the march was a symbolic route inspired by the past. “We’re inspired by the 1960s civil rights movement, where marching was very prevalent to march on bridges, on streets, to express our message in a more dramatic way.” said Co-Organizer Bryan Paz-Hernandez…