HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — On Saturday, cities across the country — including several in Hampton Roads — held "No Kings Day" demonstrations. It's described as a national day of defiance, accusing President Donald Trump and his administration for defying court orders and attacking civil rights.
Virginia Beach
Around 2 p.m., protesters lined up along both sides of Virginia Beach Boulevard and neighboring streets in Town Center for a "No Kings" demonstration. Protesters told News 3 they're taking issue with several of the Trump administration's actions, including the recent ICE raids.
Watch: 'No Kings' protesters line up on both sides of Virginia Beach Blvd. outside Town Center
"We've gotta stand up to raiding schools and raiding businesses and separating families and not believing in science and not taking care of our kids," said Jackie Cotton. "Obviously, our community is here because we believe that there is a better way. So we need to elect people who are gonna stand with us"
Watch: "No Kings" protesters say they're standing up to raiding schools, separating families
"We are not happy with the way things are going. We are not happy with the absence of our politicians standing up to President Trump," said Cherie Price.
Norfolk
Jeff Robertson Park in Norfolk was packed with people around 11 a.m. A lot of families, some veterans and both young and old people are in the crowd, joining in "take our flags back" chants and listening to speakers give remarks.
"What's happening in this country is not okay," said Abigail Southern-Kline, a Norfolk-based community activist who spoke at the rally.
Watch: 'No Kings' protester in Norfolk speaks with News 3
Following the protest, a march started near the park and continued onto Hampton Boulevard. The line of marchers stretched roughly a mile long, and on some blocks along the way, people were marching on both sides of the street.
Watch: Mile-long stretch of people march along Hampton Blvd. on 'No Kings Day'
Chesapeake
Another No Kings protest was held in Chesapeake at North Battlefield Road and Volvo Parkway Saturday morning. Around 12:30 p.m., the city's police department shared that the protest had ended, and there were "no incidents that required police services."
On Friday, Governor Glenn Youngkin (R-Virginia) acknowledged the protests on X, stating that Virginians have a right to free speech and peaceful assembly. He added that"... there will be absolutely zero toleration for the destruction of property, looting, vandalism or violence of any kind." He told News 3 that if protests get out of hand, there will be consequences. He also said he's asked the state's National Guard to be on standby to keep the peace.
"We have local police, state police, and yes, Virginia National Guard that will be on duty over the weekend to make sure that Virginians are safe," Gov. Youngkin told News 3 on Friday.
Those remarks come after days of violent demonstrations in Los Angeles.
The "No Kings" website explains the intent of the nationwide protests, stating, "They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services. The corruption has gone too. far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings." The website also states No Kings has a "commitment to nonviolent action."
