Atlanta, October 18, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta saw a massive turnout at the No Kings rally, with over 5,000 participants voicing their dissent against President Trump’s policies. The protest is part of a broader nationwide movement focused on immigration reform, healthcare cuts, and environmental issues. Notable speakers included former politicians who emphasized the importance of these issues. The rally, coordinated with local authorities, was aimed at ensuring a peaceful assembly while highlighting concerns about the current administration.
Atlanta witnessed a significant surge in public dissent as thousands gathered for the “No Kings” rally on Saturday, part of a series of protests occurring nationwide against policies associated with President Donald Trump’s administration. More than 5,000 individuals registered for the Atlanta event, reflecting widespread discontent with the current governmental direction.
On Saturday, over 30 rallies were scheduled to take place throughout Georgia, with notable demonstrations planned in metro Atlanta cities including Smyrna, Canton, and Tucker. This movement, which commenced in June, has focused on opposition to specific policies such as immigration reform, cuts to crucial healthcare and education funding, and the rollback of environmental protections.
The City of Atlanta facilitated the local march by issuing necessary permits and coordinating with organizers to ensure safety measures were in place. The Atlanta Police Department was actively monitoring the protests, particularly the main rally which occurred from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Atlanta Civic Center and later transitioned to a march toward the Georgia State Capitol.
The rally culminated at approximately 2:30 p.m., after participants filled the Civic Center to express their disapproval of the current administration’s actions. Attendees included U.S. Army veteran Kevin Benderman, who traveled from Augusta to join the protests. He voiced concerns about military actions abroad and their impact on civilian casualties, illustrating the diverse range of grievances being raised by the protesters.
Activist Martha Shockey emphasized that more individuals are becoming aware of the perceived threats to their freedoms under the current administration, as sentiments continued to resonate. Daina Kramer, who attended the rally with her daughter, noted a collective atmosphere of determination among participants who refused to tolerate current policies.
The rally featured speeches from former political figures, including Rep. Hank Johnson and Stacey Abrams, who provided additional political weight to the demonstrations by voicing strong opposition to the administration. These prominent voices sought to galvanize the crowd and articulate the rationale behind the protests.
Authorities anticipated traffic delays in Atlanta due to the protests, and the police department had prepared to manage the influx of participants. The Atlanta Police Department supports peaceful assemblies and remains committed to ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the demonstrations. The previous protests organized as part of this movement have been largely peaceful, although isolated incidents have been noted at some locations.
Nationally, over 2,500 “No Kings” protests were planned, underscoring the ongoing momentum of this grassroots movement since its inception in June. The last significant demonstration in Atlanta alone mobilized approximately 10,000 individuals opposing Trump’s immigration policies.
The protests represent a collective response to what participants perceive as chaos, corruption, and cruelty stemming from Trump’s governance. As protests continue to unfold, they foster conversations around pressing social issues and the political landscape in the U.S.
FAQ
What were the main issues highlighted in the No Kings protests?
Focus areas of the protests include opposition to immigration policies, cuts to healthcare and education, and rollbacks of environmental protections.
How many people registered for the Atlanta No Kings rally?
More than 5,000 people registered for the Atlanta event, reflecting significant attendance and sentiment among the public.
What is the purpose of the No Kings protests?
The protests are framed as a response to the chaos, corruption, and cruelty attributed to Trump’s governance.
Key Features of No Kings Protests
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Protests Nationwide | Over 2,500 “No Kings” protests planned. |
| Attendance at Atlanta Rally | More than 5,000 registered participants. |
| Duration of Atlanta Rally | Main event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., concluding around 2:30 p.m. |
| Focus Areas | Opposition to immigration policies, cuts to healthcare and education, rollbacks of environmental protections. |
| Response from Authorities | Atlanta Police Department monitoring events, ensuring safety and support for peaceful assembly. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Nationwide No Kings Protests Planned for October 18
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Multiple No Kings Protests Scheduled
- Wikipedia: Protest
- Atlanta News First: No Kings Protest Brings Large Crowd
- Google Search: No Kings protests
- AJC: Hundreds Gather at Atlanta Civic Center for No Kings Rally
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- CBS News: Metro Atlanta Police Prepared for No Kings Protest
- Google News: No Kings rally Atlanta
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
