The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.Sign InSign Out MenusearchSearchSECTIONSPoliticsState governmentLocal governmentSportsBaltimore RavensBaltimore OriolesThe Banner Baseball ShowThe Banner Ravens PodcastCollege sportsRegionsBaltimore CityBaltimore CountyHoward CountyAnne Arundel CountyMontgomery CountyEastern ShoreWestern MarylandArts & CultureThings to doLifestyleMusicArtsTravelBusinessGrowth and developmentJobs and careersReal estateRipple EffectsClimate & environmentCriminal justiceGun violenceEducation HubEarly childhood educationK-12 schoolsHigher educationMeet the TeamFood & drinkHealthHousingJob BoardObituariesNews obituariesDeath noticesOpinionColumnsLetters to the editorCreatives in ResidenceTransportationContact UsGroup & enterprise salesCustomer careContact The NewsroomSubmit a TipAdvertise with usFeedbackThe BannerAbout UsEventsPress RoomOur impactImpact MarylandCulture & careersNewsroom policies & code of ethicsDonateSponsored ContentCreatives in residence‘No Kings’ protests sweep Maryland, with thousands attending peaceful events, , , and 6/14/2025 5:30 a.m. EDT, Updated 6/14/2025 8:07 p.m. EDTchat_bubbleDemonstrators gathered in Baltimore, Bethesda, Columbia and dozens of other communities, waving signs and chanting Thousands of protesters filled streets and parks across Maryland on Saturday as part of the nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations, one of the largest coordinated protest actions of the year against President Donald Trump’s administration. Demonstrators gathered in Baltimore, Bethesda, Columbia and dozens of other communities, waving signs and chanting in defense of civil rights and democratic institutions.The Maryland rallies were among , drawing participants young and old, many wearing patriotic symbols and carrying messages calling for accountability, due process and the protection of constitutional freedoms. Organizers said turnout in Maryland reflected growing frustration and mobilization at the grassroots level heading into next year’s election.The of two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses inside their homes, an attack that has intensified concerns about political violence. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz urged residents of his state to avoid Saturday’s protests as the manhunt for the suspect continues.The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. , organizers paused the rally to share news of the Minnesota political assassinations, calling for peace and denouncing violence against public servants. The crowds observed a moment of silence before resuming chants and speeches.In Baltimore’s Patterson Park, what appeared to be more than 2,500 people gathered on the lawn below the pagoda and ran the spectrum in age and gender. But they were uniform in their feeling toward Trump. Signs calling him a dictator and those making fun of him were everywhere. “Flush the turd reich,” one read.Read MoreJun 11, 2025Jun 13, 2025“I’m tired of seeing the fascist takeover of America. Tired of seeing a guy who got away with insurrection now leading this country,” Rob Warfel, a Baltimore resident carrying an upside-down American flag, said. Elected Democrats including Sen. Chris Van Hollen addressed the crowd, urging them to continue to resist Trump no matter what.“We have a hell of a fight,” Van Hollen said. “We have to carry on.”The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. The throng of people eventually marched down South Patterson Park Avenue and along Eastern Avenue before coming back into the park. Chants of “No kings!” and “This is what Democracy looks like!” rung out. A Baltimore Police helicopter occasionally circled, but officers were sparse on the ground.Protesters fill in the hill below the Patterson Park Observatory. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Banner)Baltimore City Councilman Mark Parker, left, talks with Sen. Chris Van Hollen at the protest in Patterson Park. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Banner)Protesters expressed their discontent through signs and the occasional elaborate outfit. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Banner)More than 2,500 people gathered in Patterson Park. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Banner)Demonstrations like Saturday’s were important, said Maggie Masucci of Towson, because they show the world that Trump cannot silence dissent.“We always see these regimes topple throughout history,” Masucci said. ‘Time for everybody to get off their butts’In Columbia, the mood was similar.Driven by concerns over cuts to USAID, Trump’s attacks on civil rights and what he sees as a disregard for the rule of law, 70-year-old Tom Collier walked alongside Broken Land and Little Patuxent parkways in Columbia with thousands of others. Collier, who had just had a knee replaced a week ago, said it was his first protest.The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. ‘No Kings’ protests sweep Maryland“It’s time for everybody to get off their butts and get involved,” said Collier, of Marriottsville. “It’s past time to get involved.”Collier was one of thousands — many wearing Americana gear, T-shirts emblazoned with crossed-out crowns, and holding signs demanding the restoration of democracy — who gathered under gray skies and a light drizzle for the rally.This protest falls in line with hundreds of others across the country, similar to May Day and Hands Off Democracy. Amy Smith attended those and was in Howard County on Saturday donning a Founding Fathers costume. The 30-year history teacher said concerns for her disenfranchised students, the right to due process and what she believes is the suppression of people’s rights keep her at these protests. Being among the thousands in Howard County on Saturday was inspiring and powerful for her, Smith said. The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. She hopes it encourages other people to get involved. “People can’t sit around and be complacent because, the moment you stop fighting for your rights, you’re going to lose them,” Smith said. History teacher Amy Smith protests while donning a Founding Fathers costume. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Banner)Joel Hughey joined the Columbia protest with his 14-year-old son and octogenarian parents. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Banner)Joel Hughey attended the Hands Off Democracy protest in Catonsville this year. The Columbia dad was at the “No Kings” demonstration Saturday with his 14-year-old son and octogenarian parents. This year is Hughey’s first time coming to protests, he said.“Things have gotten so bad that I want to make sure my voice is heard along with all these other wonderful voices,” Hughey said.The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Although his experience protesting is limited to this year, Hughey said he’s seeing demonstrations like Saturday’s grow in numbers and diversity — an observation many found both heartening and saddening for how vast the impacts of recent policies have spread. , According to the "No Kings" website, protests will be held at the following locations Saturday in the Maryland area: The Maryland State House in Annapolis from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Marylanders joined protesters across the country on Saturday, taking part in "No Kings Day."Video above: Nearly 50 protests planned across Maryland (Friday)Demonstrators converged across Maryland .