An estimated 3,000-plus people gathered in Glenwood Springs on June 14, Flag Day, as part of a nationwide “No Kings” protest. The event was organized by Mountain Action Indivisible and featured an address by Representative Elizabeth Velasco, CO HD-57. Chants that reverberated through the crowd included: “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.” Support for immigrants was a common theme depicted on many homemade signs.
This same day, President Donald Trump spent an estimated $25-$45 million on a military parade in Washington, D.C. Incidentally, June 14 was his 79th birthday. In all, some 2,000 rallies took place across the U.S. and in 17 countries, including over 40 in Colorado alone.
“Trump has been defying court orders, disappearing people off the streets and slashing services that America’s families depend on,” said Debbie Bruell, co-leader of Mountain Action Indivisible. “He’s acting like a wanna-be dictator. Americans of all ages, colors and backgrounds poured into the streets today to stand up for democracy and to show the world that we will not bow to fascism.”
“I was blown away by the number of people from all walks of life who came together today to march for democracy,” said Laurie Lawrence of Rifle. “It felt inspiring and empowering to join together in the singing of the national anthem, and to demonstrate our love for our country and our flag.”
The protests were largely peaceful, though shots were fired in Salt Lake City killing one bystander when security confronted a man with a rifle. Overall this was one of the largest days of protest in United States history.
