HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — On Saturday, cities across the country — including several in Hampton Roads — will hold "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.
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."
Governor Glenn Youngkin acknowledged the upcoming 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."
Gov. Youngkin tells 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. Here in Hampton Roads, local organizers tell us they're not expecting violence of any kind.
"We're there to be peaceful. We're there to exercise our First Amendment rights. There are many, many different reasons as to why people will come out tomorrow, but we want them to leave their anger at home," said Heath Dunbar with South Hampton Roads Indivisible.
The following protests will be held in Hampton Roads:
Chesapeake
Around 400 people are expected to attend a demonstration at North Battlefield Road and Volvo Parkway at 10 a.m. Saturday.
"We're trying to remind the country that we have a federal government with three branches, and we don't have a king. We have a president who is constrained in some degree by the constitution, and we would like for him to abide by that document," said Dunbar.
Watch related: Governor Glenn Youngkin warns No Kings protestors
Norfolk
In Norfolk, organizers expect between 1,500 to 2,000 people to pack Jeff Robertson Park at 11 a.m.
We talked to the organizers earlier this week, who stated, "We didn't elect a king. We don't want a king. We want democratic processes."
Virginia Beach
The No Kings website lists details for a protest at Virginia Beach Town Center, taking place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Watch related: Texas deploys 5,000 National Guard members amid planned protests against Trump
Williamsburg
The No Kings website lists details for a protest at the Williamsburg/James City County Courthouse, taking place from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Cape Charles
The No Kings website says there will be a protest on Cape Charles from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., although the address is private.
Yorktown
The No Kings website lists details for a protest at the Yorktown Victory Monument, taking place from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Watch related: National Guard briefly detains LA protesters as nationwide protests gain steam
There are also the following No Kings protests planned in Northeast North Carolina:
Elizabeth City
The No Kings website lists details for a protest at Veteran's Park, taking place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Outer Banks
The No Kings website lists details for a protest at Dowdy Park in Nags Head from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Edenton
The No Kings website also lists details for a protest in Edenton from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., although a specific location is not listed.
