News Summary
On October 18, the ‘No Kings’ protests will take place across all 50 states, with an anticipated 2,500 events following a successful round of protests in June. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has noted that the National Guard will be on standby to ensure safety. The protests in various locations aim to address issues like federal military presence and authoritarian governance while emphasizing peaceful expression and free speech. Organizers have prepared extensively to maintain peace amid potential discord.
Washington, D.C. – On October 18, a series of nationwide protests called the “No Kings” demonstrations will take place in opposition to various actions undertaken by the Trump administration. Following a successful first round of protests on June 14, organizers anticipate around 2,500 events to occur across all 50 states.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has acknowledged the upcoming protests on social media, indicating that the National Guard will be on standby to manage any potential unrest. The protests in Virginia are particularly focused on ensuring peaceful expression, emphasizing the rights of Virginians to free speech and peaceful assembly while explicitly warning against any forms of violence or vandalism.
During the previous “No Kings” protests, no major incidents were reported in Hampton Roads, which has set a precedent for the upcoming gatherings. Planned protest locations in Virginia include:
- Williamsburg: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Williamsburg/James City County Courthouse, featuring local candidates, educators, and live music.
- Newport News: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Jefferson Avenue and Oyster Point Road near Tech Center.
- Virginia Beach: 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Town Center Fountain Plaza, followed by a march with performances by local musicians.
- Chesapeake: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 100 Volvo Parkway, with over 400 participants already registered.
- Machipongo: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 12168 Lankford Highway.
- Elizabeth City: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at 222 N Water Street, near Elizabeth City State University.
- Edenton: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Chowan County Courthouse on 101 S Broad Street.
- Kitty Hawk: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 6010 N Croatan Highway.
The “No Kings” protests aim to address critical issues, including the federal military presence in cities, the allocation of public funds, and concerns regarding authoritarian governance. While proponents view these protests as a vital expression of dissent, they have not been without criticism. Republican lawmakers have criticized the demonstrations, arguing that they represent a political maneuver amid the ongoing government shutdown.
Earlier protests mobilized millions of participants, coinciding with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary military parade, and were characterized as a demonstration of the power of peaceful mobilization against perceived authoritarianism. In preparation for the upcoming events, organizers have conducted safety and security training to ensure a well-coordinated response to any potential issues.
The scale and organization of these protests highlight a significant moment of civic engagement, demonstrating the public’s willingness to voice their concerns regarding national leadership. As the date approaches, it remains to be seen how the protests will unfold and whether they will remain peaceful as intended.
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Additional Resources
- WTKR News: No Kings Protests in Virginia and North Carolina
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- Axios: No Kings Protests in Richmond
- Google Search: No Kings Protests
- Northern Virginia Magazine: No Kings Protests Planned
- Google Scholar: No Kings Protests
- Newsweek: Map and List of No Kings Protests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protests
- Washingtonian: No Kings Protest in D.C.
- Google News: Upcoming Protests in Virginia
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
