PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — As the City of Philadelphia gears up for the anticipated ‘No Kings’ protest rally and march scheduled for Saturday, officials are implementing road closures and parking restrictions to ensure public safety during the event.
This rally is part of a broader series of protests occurring nationwide, aimed at countering perceived overreach by the Trump administration on issues such as immigration enforcement, civil rights, and budget cuts. In addition, the protests serve as a response to a military parade in Washington, D.C. marking the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday.
Ezra Levin, co-executive director of the progressive organizing group Indivisible, described ‘No Kings Day’ as a significant peaceful protest that will mobilize millions of Americans in over 2,000 communities to express their resistance to authoritarianism in their country.
Staging for the Philadelphia rally is set to begin around 10 a.m., with participants gathering in Love Park before marching to the iconic steps of the Art Museum. The official commencement of the rally is scheduled for noon. City officials have announced several road closures starting as early as 3 a.m., lasting until 5 p.m., to accommodate the event.
Significant delays are expected, and motorists are advised to take alternate routes or utilize public transportation. The city’s plan includes various road closures to manage the flow of participants and ensure safety. Specifically, Eakins Oval, which lies adjacent to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, will undergo closure from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m., along with inbound Kelly Drive being closed at Fairmount Avenue.
Additional closures are set for assembly areas from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, affecting Arch Street between 15th and 16th Streets, 16th Street from John F. Kennedy Boulevard to Cherry Street, and Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th Street to 17th Street.
As the march begins around 11:30 a.m., the entirety of Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 18th Street to Eakins Oval will be closed for pedestrian safety, alongside other necessary cross streets. Furthermore, streets such as Spring Garden Street and portions of Kelly Drive along with the Spring Garden Street Bridge will face closures during the event for safety considerations.
Philadelphia residents are urged to observe posted ‘Temporary No Stopping/Parking’ signs over the weekend, as vehicles left in designated areas during restricted hours will be relocated. Individuals who believe their vehicles have been towed are advised to contact the respective police district.
Public transportation will also experience changes, with certain SEPTA bus routes altered beginning at 3 a.m. around the Philadelphia Museum of Art and other Center City routes modified starting at 8 a.m., extending until approximately 5 p.m. for the duration of the closures. Further information regarding specific transit routes can be found on SEPTA’s official website or through their social media channels.
‘No Kings Day’ is designed to highlight the perspective that the American system is fundamentally opposed to monarchy or authoritarian governance. Levin emphasized that this day of action emphasizes a collective demand for democratic values. The movement asserts that those participating wish to promote a rejection of authoritarian leadership, as they gather in communities across the nation.
The protests have gained traction following previous events related to immigration enforcement actions and demonstrations that resonate with many citizens concerned about civil liberties. While originally announced in early May as a reaction to the military parade, the momentum has surged with heightened interest fueled by recent developments and media coverage.
Protests will unfold nationwide, with organizers intentionally avoiding Washington D.C. to prevent giving President Trump an opportunity to retaliate against peaceful demonstrations. Levin noted the extensive planning that has gone into mobilizing protests in cities across the country, often thematically designed to resonate with local populations.
Most of these activities will occur peacefully in the morning hours before the military parade scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. Levin articulated a vision of nonviolent protest characterized by an atmosphere of community expression, creativity, and adherence to First Amendment rights, contrasting sharply with any claims to a connection with the parade in Washington.
President Donald Trump, when questioned about the impending protests, expressed a sense of disbelief at being labeled a king, emphasizing his struggles to gain approval within the political system. He stated, ‘I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved,’ highlighting his perception of being uniquely challenged in his office.
In a related context, Trump had previously warned that any protests during the military parade could face a strong law enforcement response, though his administration also conveyed support for the right to peaceful protests. Organizers of the ‘No Kings’ events are keen to distance their movement from the military parade itself, focusing instead on fostering a peaceful expression of dissent in varied locations.
Safety remains a priority for organizers who have conducted training sessions on de-escalation and safety protocols for participants. Although concerns regarding potential disruptions by outside agitators linger, Levin advocated for a non-confrontational atmosphere, stating that participants would be engaging in a joyous and creative manner, engaging with humor and positivity rather than aggression.
Interestingly, precautionary measures have been enacted in states such as Texas and Missouri, where National Guard units have been activated. These decisions were made in anticipation of any possible disturbances during Saturday’s protests, with the governors from both states affirming the legality of peaceful demonstrations.
Looking beyond Saturday’s events, Levin also reiterated that this protest would serve as a catalyst for ongoing activism. Recognizing that a single protest does not resolve issues, he called for steadfast, continuous engagement and organization across the political spectrum.
Levin stated, ‘We need persistent, peaceful, people-powered organizing on the ground in blue states, red states, and purple states,’ emphasizing the need for sustained pressure against the administration’s policies. The movements and protests are intended to be part of a larger ongoing effort, reflecting a desire for sustained civic engagement and activism into the future.
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