Large Crowds Gather for No Kings Protests Across LA

LOS ANGELES — More than 100,000 people were expected to gather in downtown Los Angeles as part of the nationwide “No Kings Day” protests, one of more than 50 demonstrations held across Los Angeles and Orange counties amid a sweeping day of action against federal policies and perceived abuses of power.

Crowds began assembling Saturday morning, with a major rally at Gloria Molina Grand Park followed by a march through downtown. In anticipation of the turnout, officials closed freeway on- and off-ramps along the 101 to prevent protesters from entering traffic lanes, an issue seen during prior large-scale demonstrations.

Participants represented a broad cross-section of the region, including labor groups, immigration advocates, students, and community organizations. Demonstrators carried signs and chanted slogans focused on protecting democratic institutions, opposing aggressive immigration enforcement actions, and calling for greater congressional oversight of executive authority.

Organizers said the “No Kings Day” theme was intended to reject what they described as authoritarian-style leadership and to reaffirm that no individual is above the law. The protests were largely peaceful, with organizers coordinating closely with local officials to manage crowd flow and ensure safety across multiple high-traffic areas in downtown Los Angeles and surrounding communities.

Similar demonstrations unfolded across Southern California, from the San Fernando Valley to Orange County, highlighting the regional scale of participation. Many events were timed to coincide with the downtown Los Angeles march, creating a unified message across dozens of coordinated gatherings.

Despite a very late night of votes in Washington on Friday, Brad Sherman joined thousands across the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles on Saturday, attending three separate events. Echoing the broader message of the demonstrations, Sherman described the protests as standing against “dangerous and outrageous abuses of power” and emphasized that “this is not normal.”

“Americans are fed up — and Congress must hold him accountable,” Sherman said, reflecting the sentiment heard across rallies throughout the region. He added that, if not for airport delays, he would have attended as many as seven events across the district, underscoring both the scale of participation and his effort to be present with constituents throughout the day.

Across the country, the “No Kings Day” demonstrations unfolded in cities large and small, forming one of the most expansive coordinated protest efforts in recent years. Organizers reported events in all 50 states, with major turnouts in cities including New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., as well as smaller gatherings in suburban and rural communities.

The nationwide mobilization reflected a convergence of concerns, including immigration enforcement policies, executive authority, and broader questions about democratic norms and checks and balances. In many locations, local leaders and elected officials joined constituents in marches and rallies, amplifying calls for congressional oversight and institutional accountability.

While turnout varied by region, the scale and geographic spread of the demonstrations underscored a sustained level of public engagement. Organizers indicated that the coordinated nature of the protests, paired with simultaneous messaging across states, was intended to signal a unified national response and maintain momentum for continued civic action in the weeks ahead.