WASHINGTON – Indivisible, a progressive grassroots organization, is predicting a substantial turnout for its planned “No Kings” protests on October 18th, framing the demonstrations as a direct response to escalating rhetoric from Republicans regarding potential investigations into liberal groups and accusations leveled against protesters. The organization believes the protests will demonstrate resistance to what they perceive as attempts to suppress First Amendment rights and intimidate dissent.
The planned demonstrations stem from a series of protests that began earlier in October,initially focused on opposition to aid packages for Israel and Egypt. However,the narrative surrounding the protests has broadened,fueled by statements from former President Trump suggesting he would investigate “liberal groups” if re-elected,and recent comments from Republican leaders criticizing the demonstrations. Indivisible organizers say these actions are intended to send a message to Democratic elected officials to “stand up straight” and resist what they see as overreach.
House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of prolonging a recent government shutdown to appease thier base at Saturday’s demonstration, referring to protesters as the “pro-Hamas wing” and “antifa people” in a Fox News interview. Other Republican congressional leaders have labeled the rallies “hate America” demonstrations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attempted to link the shutdown to the protests, stating, “‘No Kings’ equal no paychecks, no paychecks and no government,” while Transportation secretary Sean Duffy also drew comparisons between the “No Kings” movement and antifa, alleging protesters were being paid.
Senator Chris murphy (D-Conn.) criticized the Republican messaging, telling NBC News, “It’s stunning how much these guys hate free speech.” He urged a strong turnout on October 18th,stating,”If those rallies are packed,that’s a response in and of itself. What they’re trying to do is to suppress support for the opposition…I think the turnout is going to be big, and I think that that’ll be a sign that their tactics aren’t working.”
