Protesters gathered across the country over the weekend for "No Kings" Day rallies, the third major organized event since President Donald Trump returned to office. Organizers estimated about 7 million people attended roughly 2,700 events nationwide.
Hundreds of Arizonans participated at various locations, with the largest crowd assembling at the State Capitol in Phoenix.
People protested against stricter immigration enforcement, possible cuts to healthcare and food assistance programs, and the president's decision to send National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.
Representative Yassamin Ansari addressed the Phoenix crowd with a passionate speech at the Capitol.
”Every single person here today believes in a better future for this country. Believes that every person should have the opportunity at the American dream and to be able to live in a world with clean air and clean water, with affordable housing and healthcare for everyone!" she told supporters.
"When millions of Americans take to the street and say, 'There are no kings in America,' that's how we will win," she continued.
Party Disagreement
However, Representative Abe Hamadeh strongly disagreed with the protests on social media.
"There are No Kings in this country. There are plenty of fake news reporters and gaslighting Democrats willing to lie to the American people about the tremendous work the Trump administration is doing," he wrote.
Hamadeh stated the administration's work was "not done by 'royal decree' but within the bounds of our Constitution and overwhelmingly endorsed by the people last November." He added that "the media and the left will keep protesting."
The protests unfolded during the ongoing federal government shutdown, which protest coordinators cite as evidence of concerning power dynamics.
Progressive organizers characterize the situation as testing fundamental governmental checks and balances, expressing alarm about what they view as executive branch overreach.
October 18's turnout was larger than the protest back in June that brought out about 5 million people. In Arizona, protests took place in nine cities including Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Flagstaff.
Protesters carried signs and flags while listening to speakers discuss immigration policies and other government actions.
While Representatives Ansari and Hamadeh present contrasting views on the administration's direction, millions of Americans across the country continue making their voices heard on issues affecting their future.
