(The Center Square) – In the city where America first claimed its independence, the nationwide “No Kings Day of Defiance” protest movement is seeking to rebuke the Trump administration by comparing the president to authoritarian rulers.
The protests, which have been planned since May, were initially conceived by the 50501 group as a counter to Saturday’s military parade. The parade, which is expected to cost taxpayers up to $45 million, is being held in Washington D.C. on President Donald Trump’s birthday to honor the 250th anniversary of the Army and Flag Day.
The recent federalization of the California National Guard and deployment of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles against the objections of local officials and Gov. Gavin Newsom, the guard’s commander-in-chief, has inflamed tensions across the country.
Federal Judge Charles Breyer ruled Thursday that the president had acted illegally and control of the guard must be returned to Newsom. That order was then frozen by an appeals court seeking time to deliberate the matter.
With more ICE raids promised – including in the city of Philadelphia, a sanctuary city – thousands are expected to turn up to the demonstrations. Meanwhile, residents, including the city’s immigrant community, are bracing for the worst.
Gov. Josh Shapiro issued a statement in preparation for the weekend’s events.
“The right to peacefully protest and exercise our First Amendment is a sacred American right — and here in Pennsylvania, we will always protect it. At the same time, we will always remain focused on keeping our communities safe and ensuring all demonstrations remain peaceful. As Governor, I will stand in defense of this constitutional right and work to ensure all Pennsylvanians can exercise it safely and peacefully.”
While Philadelphia has earned a reputation for disorderly behavior, especially after sporting events, organizers have emphasized that the protests must remain nonviolent.
Shapiro echoed the their sentiments on Thursday.
“With demonstrations and protests planned across Pennsylvania this weekend, I want to be very clear: all protests and demonstrations must remain peaceful, lawful, and orderly,” he said. “Violence is not an answer to any political differences, destruction and chaos are unacceptable — and neither will be permitted here in Pennsylvania.”
The Democratic governor is often at odds with the Trump administration as he threads the needle of a divided electorate. Most recently, there was back and forth about sending the state’s National Guard to the southern border. So far, he’s given no indication that he would mobilize them to quell protests like his Texan counterpart, Gov. Greg Abbott, has already done in preparation.
“My Administration is coordinating with the Parker Administration in Philadelphia and local officials and law enforcement all across the Commonwealth to make sure that demonstrations this weekend are lawful and peaceful,” he said. “Colonel Paris and the Pennsylvania State Police are working closely with local police departments to ensure they have the resources and support they need. Together, we are prepared to keep our communities safe while protecting Pennsylvanians’ fundamental rights – and we will be working around the clock to ensure both the rights of protesters and the wellbeing of our cities and towns are protected.”
The city is closing roads to accommodate the march, which will proceed from Love Park to the Art Museum steps. With gatherers expected much earlier, the demonstration is planned to begin around noon and end at 3 p.m., hours before the D.C. parade is scheduled to begin.
While Philadelphia is expected to have the largest turnout in the state, it certainly won’t be the only one. Demonstrations are planned in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Allentown, Scranton, Reading, Gettysburg, and dozens of smaller towns and boroughs.
The No Kings website displays an interactive map in which most of the Northeast is covered by actions. Nearly 2,000 are expected nationwide.
