News Summary
Virginia Beach witnessed substantial protests as thousands participated in “No Kings” rallies, opposing the Trump administration. The largest crowds gathered in Virginia Beach and Williamsburg, with speeches advocating for various social issues. The rallies remained peaceful, supported by local law enforcement and organizers’ efforts to maintain a non-violent environment. Attendees included diverse individuals, highlighting the importance of exercising their rights amidst concerns over healthcare, immigration, and government policies.
Virginia Beach witnessed significant protests over the weekend as several thousand people participated in “No Kings” rallies across Hampton Roads in opposition to the Trump administration. The most substantial crowds were reported in Virginia Beach and Williamsburg, where an estimated 3,000 and over 5,000 people attended, respectively.
The Virginia Beach rally commenced at the Town Center fountain and moved along Virginia Beach Boulevard, stretching several blocks. Participants expressed their dissent through a variety of signs and received supportive honks from passing motorists. Although some protests disturbances occurred when law enforcement instructed demonstrators to leave the fountain area, the crowd later applauded police efforts after following their directions.
Organizers from the Coalition of Virginia Allies (COVA), along with Freedom Virginia and MoveOn, co-sponsored the event. Over 2,000 people had registered for the Virginia Beach protest, with organizers anticipating a larger turnout based on similar past events. The attendees displayed impressive diversity, featuring people of all ages, including many seniors and veterans who emphasized the importance of expressing their rights.
Among the attendees was Kat Keel, an 88-year-old veteran, who highlighted the significance of raising her voice on matters she cares about. The protests were characterized by non-violent representations, with many participants wearing inflatable animal costumes such as frogs, dinosaurs, chickens, and unicorns, symbolizing peace in response to recent civil strife seen in Portland, Oregon.
The rallies were part of a broader movement opposing what participants view as authoritarian tendencies of the Trump administration. Similar protests took place across the region in places like Chesapeake, Newport News, the Eastern Shore, the Outer Banks, and Mathews County. Organizers worked to ensure the peaceful execution of the demonstrations, having put in place designated “peacekeepers” to maintain a calm environment.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin took precautions by placing National Guard members on standby to address potential disruptions, ensuring a zero-tolerance policy for violence or property damage while maintaining respect for individuals’ First Amendment rights. As of Saturday afternoon, no incidents of violence or unrest were reported during the rallies. Coordination between Virginia Beach police and rally organizers was established to manage crowd movements and address issues raised by local businesses affected by the protests.
There had been some confusion earlier, as reports inaccurately indicated that police requested protesters to disperse early. However, organizers clarified that a planned relocation from the fountain area to Virginia Beach Boulevard was made. The protesters voiced multiple concerns during the rallies, including issues related to healthcare, immigration, and federal job cuts, framing the Trump administration as overreaching.
A small number of counter-protesters showed up at the rallies, including a vehicle displaying a Trump-branded boat. Despite this, the atmosphere remained largely peaceful, underscoring the commitment of the organizers and participants to maintain a non-violent and constructive demonstration.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests Planned to Oppose Trump Administration
Virginia Beach Faces Power Outages and Flooding After Heavy Rain
Santa Fe Marks Launch of 100th City Guide by The Scout Guide
Thousands Rally in Williamsburg Against Trump Administration
Williamsburg Hosts ‘No Kings’ Rally Against Trump
Williamsburg Vigil Protests Immigration Policies
Virginia Faces Turbulence: Store Closures and Protests
Additional Resources
- WTKR: Thousands of Virginia Beach Residents Unite for No Kings Protest at Town Center
- Google Search: No Kings Protests Virginia Beach
- WAVY: Large Turnout at No Kings Rallies in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- PilotOnline: No Kings Second Round Protests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- Daily Press: Police Disperse No Kings
- Google News: No Kings Protests Virginia
- WTKR: Gov. Youngkin Activates National Guard Ahead of Planned No Kings Protests
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.
