Thousands gather in Richmond as part of nationwide “No Kings” protest

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) —Thousands of people gathered at Richmond's Capitol Square to voice their opposition to the Trump administration, joining a broader national movement known as the "No Kings" protest.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, an estimated 20,000 protestors filled the Richmond Capitol grounds. The protestors delivered a unified message demanding the protection of democracy and opposing what they described as "government corruption and overreach."

“We have to stand up and fight and make sure they don't take the election away from us, that they don't take away democracy from us,” said Antoni Szachowicz, an organizer with the 50/51 group.

Activists and community leaders from across the Commonwealth took the stage to share stories and concerns. Alyssa Gonzalez from Richmond Defense spoke on the effects of federal ICE policies.

“We are seeing families be torn apart, neighborhoods detained, and communities destabilized,” said Gonzalez.

Richmond Education Association member Jacob Neal-Helt highlighted local issues, including housing insecurity. “Richmond remains the city with the second-highest eviction rate in the nation. Our headlines are plagued with stories of corruption,” said Neal-Helt.

Democratic delegate nominee Lindsey Dougherty also addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of preserving progress made in recent decades.

“We cannot stand to lose decades of forward progress. Why? Because we serve our communities… not kings!” said, Dougherty, echoing the central theme of the rally.

Ahead of the event, Governor Glenn Youngkin sent a statement:

“With planned protests across the country this weekend, including in Virginia, I want to be clear that Virginians have a fundamental right to free speech and peaceful assembly, but that right does not include the destruction of property, looting, vandalism, disruption of traffic, or violence of any kind—for which there will be zero tolerance. We are coordinating closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement and I have authorized members of the National Guard to be placed in “state active duty” status to ensure the Guard will be ready to respond alongside our substantially increased police presence to help keep Virginians safe.”

Organizers say their movement will continue. Reed Baldwin of the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) urged for collective action.

“When we come with a different alternative that says we need to withhold our labor, we need to withhold our capital, we need to organize locally, I ask you, what other alternative do we have?” said Baldwin

8news also reached out to Republican Representative Rob Wittman, however have not heard back from him at this time.