Charlotte, North Carolina, October 19, 2025
News Summary
Thousands gathered across North Carolina cities for the No Kings 2 protests, advocating against policies of the Trump administration. The turnout marked a significant increase from the first rally, as participants highlighted various issues including immigration, environmental concerns, and civil rights. Organizers emphasized peaceful expression and civic engagement, collaborating with local law enforcement to ensure a safe environment. Diverse speakers addressed the crowd, promoting unity and the importance of democratic values.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Thousands gathered in North Carolina cities, including Uptown Charlotte, Raleigh, and others, to participate in the No Kings 2 protests on October 18, 2025. This rally aimed to oppose various policies enacted by the Trump administration, as participants expressed their concerns over immigration, environmental issues, and perceived threats to civil rights.
The protests attracted a significant turnout, with a 33% increase in registrations compared to the first No Kings rally held in June, which had over 3,000 registrants and about 7,000 attendees. Organized by Indivisible Charlotte and community partners, the Charlotte march began at First Ward Park and moved through Uptown. The event allowed participants to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully.
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized national protests like No Kings 2, calling them “hate America” rallies. However, the focus of the protest in Charlotte was on civic engagement and the importance of peaceful assembly. Organizers had collaborated closely with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police for nearly two months to ensure safety during the event, which was reported to have no major disruptions aside from a few health-related incidents.
More than 50 demonstrations occurred throughout North Carolina, with over 15 in South Carolina and nationwide projections estimating millions participating in over 2,500 planned protests. The Charlotte event featured guest speakers from human rights organizations and civil rights advocates, addressing issues like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions and highlighting the importance of civil rights for all communities.
The event’s organizers encouraged unity and bipartisan dialogue, promoting the idea that both political sides are essential for democracy. Hardin Minor, a participant and founder of Charlotte Earth Day, pointed out concerns regarding environmental decisions made under the Trump administration, illustrating the diversity of issues addressed during the protests.
Participants were encouraged to avoid signs with hate symbols or profanity, emphasizing a commitment to peaceful expression. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police expressed their dedication to ensuring safety and protecting peaceful assembly. Indivisible Charlotte partnered with various organizations, including Common Cause and the Poor People’s Campaign, to mobilize participations across the state.
The No Kings 2 event served as a platform for attendees to voice their opinions against what they perceive as threats to democracy and civil rights. The earlier No Kings protest coincided with Flag Day and a military parade in Washington, D.C., but this iteration expanded its focus on broader issues surrounding the Trump administration’s policies and actions.
Overall, the No Kings 2 protests in North Carolina reflected a unified call to action against perceived political suppression and the need for enhanced civic engagement, demonstrating participants’ commitment to protecting democratic values and civil liberties.
FAQ
What were the No Kings 2 protests about?
The protests aimed to oppose policies under President Donald Trump’s administration, addressing issues like immigration, environmental decisions, and civil rights concerns.
Where did the protests occur?
Protests occurred in dozens of cities across North Carolina, including Uptown Charlotte and Raleigh.
How many people attended the No Kings 2 protest in Charlotte?
There was a 33% increase in registration for the second march compared to the previous No Kings rally, which attracted over 3,000 registrants and approximately 7,000 attendees.
How was the event organized for safety?
Organizers collaborated with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police for nearly two months to ensure a safe event.
What was the overall goal of the No Kings 2 protests?
The event aimed to foster civic engagement and unite diverse voices against perceived threats to democracy and civil rights.
Key Features of the No Kings 2 Protests
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protest Name | No Kings 2 |
| Location | Uptown Charlotte, Raleigh, and other cities |
| Attendance | Over 7,000 attendees in Charlotte |
| Safety Measures | Collaboration with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police |
| Other Issues Addressed | Environmental decisions, civil rights, immigration policies |
| Organizers | Indivisible Charlotte and community partners |
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Additional Resources
- WBTV
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- WCNC
- Google Search: No Kings protests North Carolina
- Charlotte Observer
- Google Scholar: No Kings protests
- Herald Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protests
- WSOC-TV
- Google News: North Carolina protests
Author: HERE Charlotte
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