News Summary
The ‘No Kings’ protest in Raleigh attracted thousands as participants expressed frustration with the Trump administration through colorful costumes and creative displays. The peaceful demonstration featured diverse voices and highlighted issues like gerrymandering and voting rights. Critics labeled the event as radical, while supporters defended it as patriotic expression. The rally is part of a nationwide series opposing perceived authoritarian policies, with a significant turnout reflecting a broader movement for social justice and democratic rights.
Raleigh, North Carolina – Thousands Participate in “No Kings” Protest Against Trump Administration
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the city of Raleigh hosted a large-scale demonstration known as the “No Kings” protest, which drew thousands of participants along Capital Boulevard in northeast Raleigh. The event, which lasted from midday to mid-afternoon, was characterized by a steady flow of honking cars that showed support for the demonstrators and their message.
Event Overview and Participation
The protest involved a significant turnout, with protesters lining both sides of the divided highway. Attendees expressed their frustration with the Trump administration through various creative and colorful displays. Many wore costumes representing characters such as Cookie Monster, a pink axolotl, dinosaurs, dragons, and giant yellow chickens. The diversity in costumes highlighted the lively atmosphere of the demonstration.
A notable participant, Erin Grabau, donned a skeletal unicorn costume. She explained that her outfit was inspired by similar costumes seen in other cities like Portland but chose a simpler design due to economic considerations. Grabau emphasized that the purpose of the protest was to demonstrate non-violence and to counter negative portrayals of demonstrators as disruptive or radical.
Reactions and Counterpoints
The rally drew criticism from some political figures, including Matt Mercer, spokesperson for the North Carolina Republican Party, who branded the protesters as far-left radicals responsible for damaging the country. In contrast, others in attendance, such as Gary Lucido, a Texas transplant, defended the protesters. Lucido argued that the demonstrators’ actions were motivated by a desire to love and preserve America, opposing the depiction of their efforts as hateful or destructive.
The event also reflected a communal spirit, with many families, children, and pets participating. The atmosphere was further energized by signs advocating for issues such as ending gerrymandering, a contentious topic in North Carolina as new congressional maps are proposed ahead of the 2026 elections. Recent polling shows a broad opposition to partisan gerrymandering among North Carolinians, with 87% of Democrats and 78% of Republicans expressing opposition.
Underlying Issues and Broader Context
Among the concerns voiced by activists Donna and Larry Shipman were threats to voting rights and protections under the Voting Rights Act. The protest was part of a nationwide series of “No Kings” events, with more than 50 planned in North Carolina and approximately 2,600 across the United States.
The protest included a diverse soundtrack, featuring songs from artists like David Bowie, Bob Dylan, and No Doubt. The cultural references extended to costumes and flags, including a “Star Wars” rebellion flag, symbolizing resistance. The focus on fair voting maps and gerrymandering drew particular attention, as these issues are perceived as critical threats to democratic processes in North Carolina.
Protest Outcomes and Broader Movement
The demonstration was peaceful, with no reports of incidents or arrests during the event. The North Carolina GOP responded by condemning the protests, asserting that they were attempts by left-wing donors to manipulate public opinion. Conversely, many participants viewed the protests as acts of patriotic expression and democratic rights.
Nationally, the “No Kings” protests have become part of a larger movement challenging policies and perceived authoritarian tendencies of the Trump administration. It is estimated that nearly 7 million Americans have participated in similar protests across the country, emphasizing widespread opposition to issues such as immigration policies, environmental protections, and social justice concerns. In Durham, protests included speeches from civil rights leaders and community activists, focusing on unity and resilience amidst political challenges.
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Additional Resources
- NC Newsline: Thousands Gather for “No Kings” Protest in Raleigh
- Wikipedia: Protest
- News Observer: No Kings Protest Coverage
- Google Search: No Kings Protest Raleigh
- ABC11: What to Know About No Kings Protests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- CBS17: No Kings Day Protest in Raleigh-Durham
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
