Another round of "No Kings" protests is planned nationwide for Saturday, with more than a dozen happening in the St. Louis area.
National organizers of the rallies project that millions of people will demonstrate against the Trump administration. The events are happening while the federal government is shut down, federal troops are being deployed in American cities and congressional redistricting fights continue in Missouri and other states.
Leading Republicans have called the gatherings “anti-American” and say the rallies will involve people who “hate America.” During the initial round of “No Kings” protests in June, Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri pointed a finger at billionaire George Soros, a Democratic donor, saying he was largely responsible for financing the events.
In St. Louis, the largest gathering Saturday is expected downtown at Kiener Plaza, where people will meet starting at noon. Other protests are planned in Ballwin, St. Peters, Sappington and other places. In Illinois, rallies are planned in Quincy and Metro East communities, including Belleville and Edwardsville. Organizers said that thousands of people have RSVP'd to local events and that they expect crowds to “peacefully celebrate their First Amendment right to protest.”
In June, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe activated the state’s National Guard in preparation for the protests. At the time, he said the Guard would be mobilized only if “assistance is needed to support local enforcement.” This time around, the governor has not activated troops.
