ARLINGTON, VA — As tensions rise ahead of a planned military parade in Washington, D.C., an estimated 5,000 demonstrators gathered across Arlington on Saturday for a sweeping protest under the banner of “No Kings Day.” The movement, which spanned multiple cities nationwide, drew some of its largest crowds in Northern Virginia, where protesters formed a massive human chain, stretched banners across bridges, and chanted messages in support of democracy and constitutional rights.
A Protest Born of Fear and Frustration
Organizers say the demonstration was a direct response to what they view as authoritarian actions from former President Donald Trump, now in a second term. Protesters came out in force to condemn the administration’s policies on immigration, social welfare, federal layoffs, and the use of military symbolism for political spectacle.
“This is not about partisanship. This is about the principles we hold as Americans,” said Micaela Pond, founder of We of Action Virginia, one of the main groups behind the event. “We’re standing up because our Constitution is under attack.”
Many demonstrators carried signs that read “Citizens Not Subjects,” “No King Since 1776,” and “Hate Won’t Make America Great.” American flags waved alongside rainbow banners and messages advocating for health care, education, environmental funding, and due process.
From Rosslyn to Falls Church: A 5-Mile Chain of Resistance
Crowds began assembling before 4 p.m., lining Langston Boulevard from Rosslyn to Falls Church, creating a 5.2-mile human chain visible from passing cars and Metro trains. Earlier in the day, Falls Church’s Broad Street was filled for five blocks by participants, some of whom traveled from surrounding counties to be part of the protest close to the nation’s capital.
Though no official “No Kings” events took place in D.C., Arlington quickly became the movement’s focal point.
One protester, Daniel Sorto of Fairfax County, said he attended to show support for Hispanic communities still living in fear of ICE and law enforcement overreach. “I’m a U.S. citizen and I still worry,” he said. “When due process is denied, the Constitution is broken.”
High-Profile Voices Join the Crowd
Several political figures and notable personalities joined the day’s events. At a press conference near the Key Bridge, Arlington County Board member J.D. Spain Sr. declared, “I didn’t serve a king. I served the Constitution.” Spain, a Marine Corps veteran, called the protests a vital stand against authoritarianism.
Virginia lieutenant governor candidates State Sen. Aaron Rouse and Victor Salgado also spoke, urging attendees to vote in the upcoming general election.
“We’ve got to fight for democracy,” Rouse said. “Virginia is for lovers—but more importantly, Virginia is for defenders of democracy.”
The crowd also welcomed Bill Nye the Science Guy and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), who both criticized the Trump administration’s policies and its use of federal force in recent incidents, including the controversial detention of Sen. Alex Padilla during a press conference in Los Angeles.
“Padilla is my senator,” Nye said. “He gets handcuffed because he has brown skin, and DHS doesn’t even apologize. That’s not the America I believe in. No king. Period.”
From Educators to Diplomats: Protesters Share Their Why
Karen Christensen, a retired U.S. diplomat and Arlington resident, said the atmosphere reminds her of her time stationed in Romania under dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. “A military parade on a leader’s birthday? That’s exactly what I saw in 1980s Romania. I can’t ignore those red flags.”
Pond, a former public school teacher, said she felt compelled to act after the 2016 election when she saw Latino students skip school out of fear. That moment sparked the founding of We of Action Virginia, which has now grown to over 2,000 members advocating for immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and federal worker support.
“People are scared,” she said. “And when we’re scared, we speak.”
Peaceful Yet Powerful Demonstrations
While some feared confrontations or disruptions, especially so close to D.C., Saturday’s events remained peaceful. Protesters stood on Metro overpasses, cheered from pedestrian bridges, and even elicited honks of encouragement from drivers along I-66.
The phrase “No King in 1776” was emblazoned on massive banners hung from the Potomac Street Pedestrian Bridge, drawing cheers from passing trains and motorists alike.
Deanna S., another Fairfax County resident, said she chose Arlington over D.C. due to fear of military presence. “Trump has shown he’s willing to use the military against protestors. It’s safer here, but we still had to show up.”
A Community Asserting Its Values
Despite differing backgrounds, attendees shared a common goal: to reaffirm democratic values and resist any shift toward authoritarianism.
“This parade isn’t about honoring troops,” said David Shenk of Falls Church. “It’s about ego. We’re here to say this community doesn’t stand for that.”
As the sun set over Arlington and the last chants faded, organizers expressed hope that the day’s message would echo far beyond Virginia.
Over 2,000 “No Kings” demonstrations were held nationwide on Saturday, sending a collective warning: American democracy, they say, isn’t up for grabs.
If history teaches anything, the protesters said, it’s that silence helps tyranny. Today, Arlington chose to speak.
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