“People are fed up.” This sentiment echoed through the crowd as hundreds gathered for the No Kings protest at Campus 805’s Butler Green in Huntsville, Alabama. Organizer Jeff Angle, who emceed the event as a member of the organization 50501, emphasized that the public's frustration is rooted in their dissatisfaction with how President Trump is handling current issues. “People can see their very lives, their neighbors are being affected,” Angle stated. “They are here to say that is not OK.”
The protest drew a significant number of participants, filling the grassy area at Campus 805 and lining Clinton Avenue near the intersection with Governors Drive. Despite the ominous skies, which eventually unleashed a heavy downpour, the protest remained peaceful. Angle urged attendees to avoid confrontations with the few supporters of President Trump present and to maintain a respectful demeanor towards law enforcement, whose presence was notably lighter compared to previous protests in the area.
As the rain began to fall, musician Mikhailo Bernal took to the stage, expressing his delight about the weather. “Anytime the sky falls out like that I always feel like the rain is for me,” Bernal shared. He continued to entertain the crowd, stating, “I think they have an appreciation for why we are here, and it’s not to be comfortable.”
Among those attending the protest was Steve Lusk, who voiced his discontent about the current direction of the country. “I don’t like the direction our country is going in,” he remarked, recalling the service of his family members. Similarly, Maggie Peterson criticized the deployment of military forces against American citizens during protests, asserting, “I’m doing my part in fighting for what they fought for.” Her husband, Clay Peterson, emphasized the importance of caring for the less fortunate.
Emily Abney expressed her specific concerns regarding Medicaid expansion. “I’m really unhappy with the state of Alabama for not expanding Medicaid,” she stated, highlighting the negative impact of the cuts on vulnerable populations.
New York resident Bernie Gerard, visiting his son in Huntsville, shared similar worries. He highlighted the potential harm from proposed budget cuts, particularly concerning Medicaid: “Schools depend on it with disabled and special ed needs. Hospitals, rural American hospitals depend on it.” Wearing T-shirts that read “Activists Never Retire,” the Gerards expressed their commitment to activism, noting they would have joined a similar protest in New York.
Concerns about the future of democracy were prevalent, with attendees like Jimmy Pullium expressing fears that Trump might attempt to maintain power beyond his second term. “I’m worried he will remain president through martial law and not elections,” Pullium said.
Many protestors also stood in solidarity with marginalized communities, advocating for immigrant rights, LGBTQ rights, environmental protection, and reproductive freedom. A doctor attending the event articulated her worries about diminishing rights for women. “I am concerned about young ladies I am treating who now have fewer rights than I had growing up,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of privacy rights.
Although outnumbered, a few Trump supporters were present at Campus 805. Mike Jones and his wife, Beth, walked by in their Trump 2024 T-shirts, stating, “I’m not looking for any trouble. We just want to show that we support the president.” Their presence highlighted the divided opinions surrounding the current administration.
In the midst of the protest, vehicles adorned with Trump flags passed by, with some honking in support, underscoring the ongoing national debate about governance and individual rights.
