Georgia Joins the National Cry of ‘No Kings’ in Peaceful Day of Protest

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | October 18, 2025

Thousands of demonstrators filled downtown Atlanta on Saturday for the city’s third “No Kings” protest of the year — part of a nationwide wave of rallies opposing what organizers describe as authoritarian overreach by the Donald Trump administration.

The march began at the Atlanta Civic Center, where an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people gathered before marching roughly 1.2 miles to the Georgia State Capitol. Participants carried handmade signs, waved flags, and chanted slogans like “We the People Will Rule.” The phrase — central to the “No Kings” movement — represents a rejection of monarchical power and a demand for democratic accountability.

Atlanta Civic Center Rally - 2 — Photo by Milton Kirby – Atlanta Civic Center

A Peaceful, Powerful Day

City officials confirmed permits had been issued for the event and described the protest as a peaceful and safe gathering. Atlanta police reported no arrests or major incidents. The atmosphere, witnesses said, felt part rally, part block party, providing a sense of security to the participants and the public.

Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) addressed the crowd, urging attendees to “stand firm for democracy” and condemning recent remarks by President Trump to military leaders. Other speakers focused on a wide range of issues, from immigration and voting rights to local housing concerns, providing a comprehensive understanding of the societal challenges being addressed.

Part of a National Movement

Saturday’s demonstration was one of more than 2,700 “No Kings” events held across the United States — and even abroad — with organizers estimating nearly seven million total participants. In Georgia alone, at least 35 affiliated protests were reported in cities including Athens, Marietta, Gainesville, Rome, and Tucker.

The Tucker rally drew roughly 8,000 people, beginning at the Lavista Festival Shopping Center and looping across the I-285 overpass. Congressman Hank Johnson (D-4) addressed that crowd, telling participants, “This is what democracy looks like — people standing up together, not bowing down to power.”

Protest Against Policies and Shutdown

The “No Kings” movement, which has its roots in protests that began earlier this year, is primarily focused on opposing Trump-era policies related to immigration, education, and health care, as well as environmental rollbacks and ICE raids. The latest wave of demonstrations came amid a prolonged federal government shutdown, with Congress deadlocked over funding and the administration facing growing criticism over governance paralysis.

Despite partisan tensions — with some Republican officials labeling the events “Hate America rallies” — major cities reported largely peaceful gatherings and no widespread disruptions.

A Growing Coalition

The Atlanta rally was organized by a coalition of grassroots organizations, including Indivisible Georgia, the ACLU of Georgia, and the 50501 Movement. These groups, along with many others, have come together to express their deep concern about democratic backsliding and civic erosion.

“We need to use the rights we still have to bring our voices together,” one demonstrator told The Truth Seekers Journal. “We can’t let fear or fatigue silence us.”