Over 100,000 Gather for "No Kings" Protest in Boston

Over 100,000 Gather for "No Kings" Protest in Boston Boston Common transformed into a sea of demonstrators on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as over 100,000 people gathered for the "No Kings" rally, marking one of the largest protests in the city this year. The peaceful demonstration was part of a nationwide movement spanning 2,600 cities across all 50 states. ## A Peaceful Show of Unity The rally, which took place from noon to 3 p.m., filled Boston Common from Boylston to Beacon streets. Protesters stood shoulder to shoulder, waving American flags, carrying creative signs, and donning costumes ranging from inflatable unicorns to patriotic chickens. Despite the massive turnout, Boston Police reported no arrests were made during the demonstration. "We're wicked pissed, but we're wicked united. And we're going to be wicked loud," organizers declared in their pre-rally statement, capturing the spirit of Boston's resistance. ## Why They Marched Demonstrators gathered to protest what they describe as authoritarian policies and abuses of power by the Trump administration. The concerns voiced by protesters were diverse but united by a common theme: protecting democracy and Constitutional rights. Cathie Regan of Littleton expressed the sentiment shared by many: "I am here because it is just one absurd and horrific event after another, day after day. Watching people get taken off the street... The erosion of our rights, health care, immigration. It's just one thing after another and I can't stand it." Protesters cited several specific concerns: - Immigration enforcement actions and raids - Rising healthcare costs - Erosion of civil liberties - What they view as federal overreach into state and local governance - Threats to First Amendment rights ## Leaders Take the Stage The rally featured prominent Massachusetts political leaders who addressed the massive crowd: **Mayor Michelle Wu** delivered a powerful opening speech, though briefly interrupted by counter-protesters. "We stand here today to tell the Trump administration that when it comes to our freedoms, when it comes to our families, Boston doesn't back down," Wu proclaimed. "Boston will keep fighting back to keep moving forward." She invoked Boston's revolutionary history, stating: "In this city on a hill, in this city of champions, in this city of immigrants and workers, for the last 250 years and counting in Boston every day is 'No Kings' Day." **Senator Elizabeth Warren** pushed back against Republican criticism that labeled the demonstrations "Hate America" protests. "Thousands of people protesting for what they believe in. That is deeply American. That is patriotism," Warren declared. "Standing up to a wannabe dictator? That is patriotism. Peacefully protesting to protect our democracy? That is patriotism!" **Senator Ed Markey** emphasized Boston's historical significance: "We are where democracy was started, right here on the Boston Common." ## Creative Expression and Community Spirit The protest was notable for its creative and even whimsical elements. Many demonstrators wore inflatable costumes inspired by protests in Portland, Oregon, designed to make rallies feel more welcoming and less intimidating for first-time protesters. Elizabeth Barry, dressed as a calico cat, explained: "We thought it would be fun to bring a little humor. I think it's really important to make this feel safe." Signs ranged from serious political statements to clever wordplay. T-shirts reading "Sorry about our president" in 14 different languages were spotted in the crowd, while references to "The Handmaid's Tale" and historical revolutionary imagery appeared throughout. ## More Than Just a Rally Organizers emphasized that the goal extends far beyond a single day of protest. Rebecca Winter, executive director of Mass 50501, one of the organizing groups, stressed the importance of sustained activism. "The biggest hope for this event is that people don't just come and scream at the sky and go home," Winter said. "We want people to leave with tools of how they can stay involved with activism every single day." The rally featured more than a dozen organizations tabling for causes ranging from civil rights to climate change, voter accessibility, and government transparency. Workshops on nonviolent resistance, executing boycotts, and pressuring elected officials were part of the day's activities. ## Statewide and National Movement Boston's demonstration was just one of over 100 "No Kings" events held across Massachusetts on Saturday. Communities from Brockton to Gloucester, Worcester to Springfield participated in the coordinated day of action. Nationally, organizers estimated that nearly 7 million people participated in approximately 2,700 rallies across the United States, making it potentially the largest protest movement of 2025. Major demonstrations also took place in New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. This marked the third major nationwide mobilization against the Trump administration this year, following protests against federal budget cuts in the spring and a counter-demonstration to Trump's military parade in June. ## Security and Safety Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble confirmed that law enforcement had implemented a comprehensive security plan in coordination with Boston Police. The protest featured trained de-escalation teams and designated medics, with emergency meeting spots established throughout the Common. Despite concerns raised by some federal officials about potential unrest, the day remained entirely peaceful, validating organizers' commitment to nonviolent demonstration. ## Political Response The White House downplayed the protests ahead of time, with President Trump claiming "very few people are going to be there" during a Wednesday cabinet meeting. The reality of millions turning out nationwide stood in stark contrast to those predictions. Congressional Republicans had labeled the demonstrations as "Hate America" rallies, while Democratic leaders like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer encouraged Americans to exercise their right to free speech and "not let Donald Trump and Republicans intimidate you into silence." ## Historical Context The protest invoked Boston's revolutionary history at multiple points. Mayor Wu referenced the 1960s civil rights march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., when 20,000 people marched from Roxbury down Columbus Avenue demanding equal rights. The choice of Boston Common as the rally site held particular significance as America's first public park, established nearly 400 years ago as a common space for the common good. ## Looking Ahead As the crowds dispersed Saturday afternoon, organizers made clear this was not an endpoint but a beginning. Jonathan Cohn, policy director of Progressive Mass, emphasized: "Coming to a rally is step one. Events like this can inspire people for that work, but it's knowing that there's so many additional steps afterwards." The "No Kings" movement represents a grassroots coalition of everyday Americans organizing under the banner "50 states, 50 protests, one movement" (50501). With more demonstrations planned, Saturday's massive turnout signals sustained opposition to policies protesters view as threatening American democracy. For many attendees, the experience was both empowering and necessary. As one protester put it: "We rejected a king in 1773 when we threw tea into the harbor, why would we want one now?" The message from Boston Common was clear: in a city built on revolutionary principles, the spirit of resistance to what protesters view as authoritarian overreach remains very much alive.