Tuscaloosa to Join Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests Saturday

Protestors are expected to gather in downtown Tuscaloosa Saturday as part of a nationwide day of protests defying President Donald Trump as he celebrates two birthdays with an unprecedented military parade in Washington.

The United States Army, founded on June 14th, 1775, will have its 250th anniversary on Saturday. The day also happens to be Trump's 79th birthday and U.S. Flag Day, and the President will celebrate with a massive parade featuring more than 6,000 servicemen accompanying tanks, aircraft and more.

There will also be more than 100 NO KINGS protests held in cities across the country on Saturday, organized by the Indivisible Project and other activist organizations.

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“Donald Trump wants tanks in the streets and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington — it rises up everywhere else," organizers wrote. "On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings."

One such protest is planned for downtown Tuscaloosa, where demonstrators are expected to gather at the Richard Shelby Federal Building & Courthouse from 6 p.m. Saturday until 8 p.m.

Organizers stress ahead of time that these are peaceful protests.

"A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action," they wrote on an event page. "We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values."

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are possible for most of the day Saturday, so demonstrators, counterprotesters, and spectators should be sure to keep an eye on the weather and make smart choices.

For more coverage of news in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.