Thousands attend ‘No Kings’ rallies in Charleston and Summerville

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Thousands of people took part in local “No Kings” protests on Saturday morning. Rallies were held in Charleston, Summerville, and Walterboro.

Protesters in cities across the United States, including in the Lowcountry, gathered to rally against President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C., and the measures the Trump administration has taken over the past five months.

A sea of waving flags, chants, and car honks filled Main Street in Summerville as hundreds of people of all ages participated in what they called an “Act of Defiance” on Flag Day.

“250 years ago, our U.S. Army was created. Prior to the creation of the United States ,and that is what we’re centering today – our veterans, rules that are being ignored right now, and that we are unhappy with the direction we see this country going in,” said Suez Greenhouse, co-chair of Indivisible Summerville.

Nearly 1,000 protesters also showed up at Hampton Park in downtown Charleston alongside local politicians and activists. Charleston County Democratic Party Chair Pastor Thomas Dixon said the “No Kings” day is in partnership with the ongoing 50501 Movement.

“It’s also a day that’s been designated as ‘No Kings’ day, basically in rhetoric that’s coming out of Washington D.C., A rhetoric that’s been proven many times to be counterproductive to the constitution we serve in the United States. Similar to the workings of a king,” said Dixon during Saturday’s rally.

Dr. Annie Andrews, who is running against U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham in 2026, also attended and spoke at the rally.

“As a South Carolinian, I understand what unites us. It’s a desire to put courage over chaos, common sense over culture wars, character over corruption, hope over hate, and kids over kings,” she said during the event.

Protesters we spoke with expressed concerns about due process, immigration enforcement, climate change, and democracy.

“Well, I’m out here protesting because I’ve lived in a democracy all my 80 years I’ve been alive. I never thought I would see the country in the position it’s in now. I’m very much afraid that people your age are not going to have the same country I had,” said David Rubin, who attended a local rally.

Many advocates say unity was the main message they will take away from the rally, in hopes of changing the course of the administration.

“It shows that we are still a unified people, no matter who’s leading us. We stand up for what’s right and what is the American truth – is that all people are created equal,” said protester Miranda Moody.

 “I wanted to tear up when I saw everybody here because that’s how many people want to stand up to this, and that’s amazing,” added protester Brylee Walter.

The protests remained peaceful. Police told News 2 there was one arrest at the Hampton Park rally. They said that the protester attempted to cross a boundary set up by law enforcement.