COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A ‘No Kings’ protest took place at the Ohio Statehouse Friday as part of the latest national crusade organized by ‘50501,’ symbolizing 50 protests, 50 states, and one movement.
“I’m not proud right now to call myself an American,” protestor Marina Aveni said. “It’s almost embarrassing when we see people that are from other countries, and they’re saying like, gosh, what’s going on over there. We don’t feel like we have our rights anymore.”
A crowd of around 4,000 gathered to voice their concerns over Trump Administration policies.
“I don’t recognize this country,” protestor, Brittani Caddel, said. “I don’t want to cry. As a woman, I don’t feel protected by my country. As a woman of color, I don’t feel safe in my country.”
Organizers said with all the chaos happening at the federal level, they’re staying laser-focused on where they know they can have the most impact: right here at home.
“Our whole goal is, you know, no kings,” 50501 lead organizer, Madison Tracy, said. “We have no kings in America. We’ve done that once. We’ve got rid of a king almost 200 years ago. And, you know, we’re not doing that again.”
Protestors spoke out against what they call fascism, dictatorship, and oligarchy being displayed right now. The peaceful movement has been taking place across the entire state.
“What’s really magical is that a lot of these towns are in red rural counties,” Tracy said. “So, it’s showing something. It’s sending a message that this current administration is not, you know, living up to the ideals of what most people want.”
The ‘No Kings’ protest follows several days of nationwide protests against federal immigration raids, including in Los Angeles.
“I never thought in my lifetime that I would see this,” protestor, Lindsay Ronneberg, said. “It’s like World War II. People need to get a history lesson because it’s all happening again. I have immigrant friends. I have relatives with green cards. We’re scared for everyone.”
“I couldn’t imagine what this city would be like without the immigrant population,” Caddel said. “They keep this city moving literally from transportation to restaurants.”
The president said he’s trying to preserve law and order while going after criminals.
“Donald Trump wants to see violence. Donald Trump wants to see antagonists,” Tracy said. “That’s part of the reason why he sent in the National Guard to L.A. He wants to antagonize protesters. He wants protesters to react.”
“People come here for opportunity,” Caddel said. “That’s what we’re taught. America was built on the land of the free and the home of the brave, and people are terrified in their own homes right now that their door might get kicked in. That’s not Ohio. That’s not America.”
Columbus protestors rallied Friday, so they didn’t interfere with the Pride march Saturday. Nationwide protests are planned for Saturday during the Trump-backed military parade in Washington, which coincides with the president’s 79th birthday.
“2026 coming, 2028’s coming,” protestor Richard Lee said. “Thank god this is his last time, and maybe we’ll get someone in there to listen to the people. Why are you taking away money? The parade that he’s going to have Saturday is taking supposedly forty-two million dollars away, could be going to welfare, Medicaid, or my brother’s veterans. You know, that’s not right.”
Protest organizers said protestors from Cincinnati and Cleveland will be coming to Columbus for a 50501 protest on July 4 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Ohio Statehouse.
