BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — More than 1,000 people packed Bloomington’s downtown on Saturday, for a peaceful “No Kings” rally on the lawn of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
The event was part of a national day of protest organized to oppose what participants described as authoritarian behavior and threats to democratic norms under the Trump administration.
The rally, hosted by local grassroots groups Voices of Reason and Bloomington Normal 50501, was one of more than 1,800 similar demonstrations held across the country.
“When we have someone who wants to act like a king — we had a revolution for that,” said Sarah Walczynski, a Bloomington resident attending the rally. “It’s 1776 all over again. No kings.”
Walczynski also emphasized the importance of public awareness and civic action. “Half the people in the United States did not vote for this person. And I think a lot of other people were misled. And so as they learn more about the impact of what it means to them, their friends, their neighbors, their family, I think the message is you’re not alone. See what’s going on out there and make a stand.”
The crowd filled the BCPA lawn and surrounding areas, carrying handmade signs and banners promoting democracy and voicing concerns over immigration policy, healthcare access, education funding, and economic inequality.
Not all attendees were aligned with the event’s goals. Brian Tarrant, a United States Veteran, expressed frustration with the protest.
“This is kind of upsetting to me because Donald Trump is trying to do his job. He’s trying to send the convicted felons, rapists and murderers back to where they belong.” Tarrant said. “And these people really have no idea what they’re protesting. I think it’s ridiculous. I think it’s absurd.”
Despite the political divide, the rally remained peaceful. Organizers provided voter registration materials and legal aid resources, including “Red Cards” that outline immigrants’ rights during encounters with law enforcement.
The rally was endorsed by local organizations such as the ACLU of Central Illinois, Prairie Pride Coalition, and the Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal.
Voices of Reason — part of the national Indivisible movement — and Bloomington Normal 50501, a local chapter of the 50501 network, said they plan to continue organizing events that engage citizens on national issues through local action.
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