Southern Tier demonstrators participate in nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests

“No Kings” demonstrations took place across the Southern Tier Saturday, joining nationwide rallies in protest of the Trump administration.

The protests were organized nationally by groups including Indivisible and 50501. National organizers estimated over 5 million people participated in more than 2,000 protests.

On the same day, the U.S. Army celebrated its 250th anniversary on Saturday with a military parade in Washington, D.C. That parade coincided with Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

‘We've got to save our democracy’ 

In Binghamton, a large crowd packed in front of the Broome County Courthouse, waving flags and chanting. The group then marched down Court Street.

Protesters and speakers criticized proposed cuts to Medicaid and social service programs, as well as an increase in deportations and immigration enforcement.

The demonstration coincided with the city’s third annual Puerto Rican Day parade. Residents drove past the rally playing music and waving Puerto Rican flags.

Windsor resident Karen Madsen said she has attended five protests in the area since January.

“It's now or never, we've got to save our democracy or it's going to be gone,” Madsen said. “And I'm really encouraged by the big crowd here today, with all the energy, positivity, fun.”

‘The power is ours’

In Ithaca, protesters gathered in Washington Park before marching through the city.

“We can feel so small and so powerless when up against an organization like this,” Rallygoer Julian Martin said. “And seeing this many people and yelling and feeling this love together reminds you that the power is ours.”

Demonstrators also gathered in Horseheads, Corning and Owego, among other places in the region.