Voices on both sides heard at No Kings Day protest

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – “No Kings Day” Protest Brings National Movement to Chattanooga.

A national protest movement called “No Kings Day” reached Chattanooga on Saturday, drawing participants from different backgrounds and beliefs.

As part of the nationwide effort, the local protest was held at Miller Park, where people gathered to express concerns over the direction of the country and the role of presidential power.

Protester Anna Blake said her reason for attending wasn’t about political party—but about protecting democracy.

“So we’re here because a lot of people, regardless of their political party, are not happy with the direction that the country’s going in,” Blake said. “We are a republic, we are a democracy, and we want to elect our officials, and we want them to represent us. We don’t feel like that is what has been going on. So that is us being here saying, we’re here. We disagree. We love our country and we want it to go in the right direction. We do care.”

Protesters held signs and chanted a wide range of slogans as part of the demonstration.

Some focused on protecting civil liberties, others on maintaining governmental checks and balances.

John Standridge, another protester, expressed concern over what he sees as a shift away from democratic principles.

“You know, once upon a time, Trump said, ‘Vote for me, and you’ll never have to vote again,’” Standridge said. “I don’t know what he meant by that, but I see a lot of efforts to have everything go his way, whether it’s the courts or the Congress. And I think we need checks and balances in this country. We need to keep our checks and balances, and we’re at risk for losing them.”

Not all attendees were there to protest.

A Trump supporter who asked to remain anonymous said he came to quietly show support for the president’s leadership.

“My dad is in a national cemetery underground for fighting for American citizens, freedom,” he said. “I’m married to a Hispanic woman, and she says it’s wrong. Her family says it’s wrong. I’m going to go up there peacefully. I’m not going to say anything to anybody. I’m just going to stand there. I might walk around. They can see my hat, they can read my shirt.”

Others, like Joshua Marshall, said they were there simply to observe and think critically.

“A lot of people, especially in other nations, are protesting on behalf of people who aren’t even supposed to be here, right?” said Marshall. “One of the questions I ask is: what’s stopping these guys from coming here legally? I agree the process takes way too long, but there’s still nothing stopping them from coming here the right way.”

Marshall also shared his thoughts on how race can influence immigration discussions.

“It’s not just about illegal entry. Some people say all are welcome here. Someone brought up the Afrikaners who were admitted through asylum, right? And there’s been talk that they need to go back where they came from, that they don’t belong here. But at the same time, people are saying all people are welcome here. So there’s a racial element to it. I mean, if you’re European and coming here seeking asylum, people don’t want you here. But if you’re Latino or African or whatever, and you come here illegally, they want to let you stay. That makes no sense to me.”

Despite differing opinions, the protest remained peaceful.

No incidents were reported during the event.

Protester Rachel Lo Greco encouraged others to stay informed through personal engagement, not just headlines.

“So just be wary of what the media puts out,” Lo Greco said. “I think it can be used a lot of times to show what they want to show. So do your own research, talk to people that are there. If you have family that’s there, figure out what’s actually happening before you rush to make a harsh judgment.”

As the sun set over Miller Park, protesters and onlookers went their separate ways—some still chanting, others quietly reflecting.