No Kings March Takes Over Center City Philadelphia
by Alex Lloyd Gross
Law Enforcement was on high alert for a planned No Kings rally in Philadelphia. As a matter of fact, there were dozens of similar protests all over the region. Hundreds more across the country took place. The idea behind this started when President Donald Trump made plans for a military parade in Washington DC. This was also the 250th birthday of the United States Army. The Philadelphia event took place on the Ben Franklin Parkway, at the Art Museum.
In Philadelphia, it was an afternoon of marching, carrying signs and listening to speeches. Philadelphia also was host to the Army’s 250th Birthday, which had an event around Independence Hall.
The weather was overcast and a light rain was falling. Still about 20,000 people showed up to voice their displeasure with Trump and his parade. There was no order to this. People came and went of their own volition. As people were leaving, other were arriving. Even close to 3:00PM, as the event was nearing closure, some folks were just getting there.
There were multiple signs that people had made. Most had profanity on them and could not be aired in a family newspaper of broadcast on television. Other signs were clever. “If she had won, we would be at lunch right now” Many people wanted to know why there is no money for medicaid but a parade in DC could be funded.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo Delaware Valley News.com A man walks with a flag during the protest.
There was no civil disorder. By 6:00 PM, only a handful of people were arrested for trying to get onto 676. One Antifa male started to argue with police after he threatened a news photographer. No one was arrested. Being in public means anyone can take your photo.
Some of the speakers included Jamie Raskin, representatives from the King family. Raskin is a congressman from Maryland(D-8). He spoke about immigration and expressed his views on spending for the parade but not medical care for people.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo-Delaware Valley News.com Congressman Jaime Raskin speaks at the rally.
This was a hodgepodge of people all protesting different things. At times, Pro Palestine and Anti Palestine protests were taking place at the same time, often within a few feet from each other.