Photo Essay: Tens of Thousands March in Portland's No Kings Demonstration

"At least 40,000 to 50,000 Portlanders took to downtown streets yesterday, Saturday, October 18, to march, wave signs, and raise their voices against the increasingly authoritarian policies of President Trump-though some estimated the crowd size to be much larger. The march was just one of at least 2,700 similar demonstrations that happened across the nation yesterday, attracting an estimated count of between 5 million and 8 million participants-making it one of the largest demonstrations in American history."

"It was the second national No Kings march, the first being held on June 14 coinciding with the 79th birthday of the president, who at the time held a military parade in his own honor. National No Kings organizers said Saturday's marches were intended to unite people "to speak out against authoritarian policies and reaffirm that America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people.""

""Immigrants, whether they are citizens, have green cards, or asylum or refugee status, or nothing at all, every single one of them has human rights and the right to due process in this country," Kanal said."

""As the veterans, who are protesting here today, say, 'The war always comes home,'" Councilor Morillo told the growing crowd. "So when we do not care for our neighbors abroad, and we do not care for our neighbors here, we are always going to be the ones who come next. We have a moral obligation to draw a line in the sand.""

At least 40,000 to 50,000 people gathered in downtown Portland on October 18 to protest perceived authoritarian policies of President Trump, with some estimates larger. The demonstration was one of roughly 2,700 marches nationwide that drew an estimated 5 to 8 million participants. The event in Oregon occurred across more than 50 locations, with Portland as the largest. Organizers framed the action as rejecting monarchy-style power and affirming popular authority. Local councilors emphasized centering immigrants and marginalized communities, insisted on human rights and due process, and urged moral responsibility toward neighbors at home and abroad.

Read at Portland Mercury