PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – Organizers said as many as 5,000 people lined War Memorial Drive near Peoria Stadium Saturday, as part of the national ‘No Kings’ protest day. People held signs criticizing the Trump administration and calling for the release of files related to late sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Peoria’s event was organized by progressive group 50501. 25 News reports the non-violent protest was scheduled to start at 1 p.m., but some protesters were already there and on the sidewalks by noon. Peoria Police were on hand, but there was no violence.
“We want to make sure that the Trump Administration knows that we do not support a tyranny or a dictatorship of our country. We want to protect our democracy. We’re getting our voice out there. We want our elected officials to know that they represent us,” said Theresa Kuhlmann, who is on the Peoria 50501 leadership team.
President Trump told Fox News last week “They’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.”
Other Republicans, like House Speaker Mike Johnson, took to social media to label the ‘No Kings’ gatherings as ‘Hate America’ rallies.
Peoria protesters disagreed with the characterization of the event, many holding signs proclaiming love for America.
A No Kings protest was also held Saturday in Bloomington.
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