The “No Kings” march and rally in defiance of the Trump administration on Saturday was attended by over 2,600 people taking to the street in a peaceful demonstration.
The Durango Herald counted 2,688 participants during the march itself, not including stragglers who filed into Buckley Park after the march was over and early birds who went to the park before the march.
Hundreds upon hundreds of people lined up on Main Avenue between Fifth Street and College Drive before marching north to Buckley Park, which brimmed with energy as protesters filed in.
Protesters carried signs displaying phrases like “Dump Trump,” “Trump is not king; obey the constitution” and “Elect a clown, expect a circus.”
They chanted “Abolish ICE,” “Down with Trump” and “(Expletive) Trump” while other protesters beat wooden drums.
Some protesters wore jester hats while some others wore Groucho Marx glasses. Indivisible Durango, which organized the protest to occur during other “No Kings” protests across the country, described the theme of the Saturday rally as a peaceful act of defiance against authoritarianism.
The “No Kings” nationwide movement was organized by the 50501 Movement to oppose President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C., which the administration formally held to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. But Saturday is also Trump’s 79th birthday, and critics of the president say the parade is really to feed his ego.
While protesters marched to Buckley Park, some motorists honked in shows of support. On several occasions, motorists revved their engines and it was unclear if they were showing support or aggression. But the event unfolded without any acts of violence and little confrontation.
Durango Police Chief Brice Current said protesters were peaceful and respectful toward police officers who monitored the event.
Bystanders watched as the protesters marched by, some workers standing in the doorways of their shops.
One man watched the march, disapprovingly shaking his head. When one protester shouted to him, “Join us,” he replied, “You’re being deceived.”
Resident David Kozak marched with a papier-mâché puppet portraying President Donald Trump in a diaper with dollar signs in his eyes, an elongated Pinocchio nose and a crown labeled “Lyin’ King.”
He said he was in a good mood and it’s reassuring to be surrounded by thousands of people who feel the same way he does about the state of the country.
“This is what makes America strong, coming together in a constructive way, trying to address what’s going on in the world today,” he said. “ … This is a way to be creative, to get a little stress out and have some camaraderie with our fellow citizens.”
Democracy is under attack, he said, and civil rights are being trampled. He offered immigration as just one example. But people shouldn’t be afraid to express their concerns, contrary to what the Trump administration wants.
Resident and veteran Gary Mooris said the protest on Saturday was a “great start,” but protesters need the attention of their legislators.
“That means an independently staged national strike until this kakistocracy hears our damn voices,” he said into a microphone at Buckley Park.
The crowd responded with roars and cheers.
Durango attorney Kim Perdue, speaking to the crowd, said there have been several cycles of “chaos and crazy,” topped Saturday morning with the shootings of Minnesota Democratic state lawmakers Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman and their spouses. Hortman and her husband were killed.
The gunman was impersonating a police officer when the shootings occurred and is currently on the run, according to national reports. The prime suspect was identified by law enforcement as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the shootings an act of “politically-motivated assassination.”
“Stand up and say something when you see anyone else mistreated or minimalized, rigorously guard your personal integrity and your morality,” Perdue said. “That is how we are going to have the courage to keep showing up, and it’s how we’re going to have the courage when we need it most.”
Several tents or “action tables” were set up around Buckley Park to show off more ways residents can take action. The activities included “Postcards to Congress,” “Tech Savvy,” “Share Your Story,” about the impacts of DOGE, “Letters to the Editor” and “Volunteer Your Passion.”
cburney@durangoherald.com
