In one of the largest displays of dissent since the 2020 social justice protests ignited by the death of George Floyd, thousands of Coloradans took to the streets on Saturday, June 14, 2025, to voice their opposition to the Trump administration and its policies.
The demonstrations spread across more than a dozen locations throughout the state, where participants raised signs, chanted, and marched. Demonstrators gathered peacefully in parks and on street corners, while others lined overpasses and roadways.
While the protests remained largely peaceful during the day, tensions escalated in the evening when a group of a few hundred protesters in Denver clashed with police who utilized pepper balls and gas canisters in responses to an attempt to march onto I-25.
In cities from Grand Junction to Colorado Springs and from Denver to Durango, rallies attracted a diverse range of participants.
In Grand Junction, hundreds demonstrated peacefully in the morning, causing some traffic disruptions, whereas Colorado Springs saw a significant crowd urged to stay on sidewalks.
In Parker, protesters held signs high, and in Genesee, people stood on a bridge over I-70 to ensure their messages were visible to passing cars.
The protests were organized as part of a nationwide call to action against the Trump administration, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s birthday and his military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the Army.
The demonstrations in Colorado were characterized as the “No Kings” rallies, focused on a wide range of issues including immigration enforcement, free speech, LGBTQ rights, and solidarity with other protests around the country.
Booths at the Denver rally encouraged attendees to engage in political efforts and community activities.
According to reports from CPR News and local police, Denver’s rally saw extensive participation, culminating in the closure of several streets to accommodate the marchers. Adam Young, a participant from Golden, expressed his discontent with Trump’s administration, stating, “This is America. You can’t treat America this way,” while dressing as Uncle Sam and carrying an upside-down American flag.
While the day’s events were mostly peaceful, previous protests earlier in the week had resulted in minor clashes, leading to 17 arrests in Denver. Demonstrators peacefully marched throughout the city until around 6:30 p.m., when a smaller group sought to access the interstate, prompting police intervention.
Denver Police indicated on Sunday that a total of 34 individuals were arrested, including one juvenile who was cited and released. Most were detained for disobeying lawful orders or interfering with police efforts, and several participants provided names that could not be immediately verified by law enforcement.
Denver Police spokesperson Douglas Schepman stated that the majority of demonstrators left peacefully after the event concluded at approximately 4:00 p.m. He emphasized that a separate group was responsible for the subsequent clashes.
The timeline of events in Denver began at 12:19 p.m., with groups marching from the Capitol down Lincoln Street, later spreading to adjoining roads. By mid-afternoon, the downtown area was filled with protesters, and police managed traffic to ensure safety for marchers.
Notably, as the evening progressed, authorities became more assertive in their responses. A police warning against marchers attempting to enter I-25 indicated that “all reasonable force will be utilized,” a communication that escalated tensions.
At around 6:50 p.m., police deployed pepper balls in an effort to disperse those gathered at the Colfax viaduct, igniting confusion and anger amongst protesters, including one participant who remarked on the chaotic progression of events.
By 7:30 p.m., police attempted to push back demonstrators using nonlethal munitions, including pepper balls and smoke canisters, leading to more arrests. Participants expressed feelings of fear and anger in response to the police’s aggressive tactics.
Reported incidents included one individual starting a small street fire and a small group running through the city, causing minor disturbances. By 8:30 p.m., most remaining groups still marched throughout downtown peacefully.
In Grand Junction, close to 1,000 individuals participated, with the protest characterized by signs and chants that signified widespread discontent with the administration. While some counter-protesters voiced support for Trump, the large majority of demonstrators received enthusiastic honks and gestures of support from passing vehicles.
Elderly participant Betty Tanksley expressed her alarm over the current political landscape, noting that, “I have never been this afraid for the country. This is the worst it’s ever been.” She highlighted concerns over Trump’s leadership and the treatment of immigrants.
Greg, a local who wished to remain anonymous, emphasized the need to safeguard public lands and stated, “I know plenty of park rangers and they’re not corrupt. They’re the hardest-working people you could meet.”
In Colorado Springs, the crowd’s energy was palpable, with thousands lining the downtown area, holding signs declaring various messages of resistance and activism. As they voiced their concerns, honks of support echoed from passing vehicles. Jodi, a performer at the event, articulated the importance of love in restoring the country’s values.
Retired educator John Hawk also spoke about the need for unity, underlining that “We the people means all the people, not just a few select people.”
In Parker, sentiments echoed similar themes, with participants expressing that mere voting is insufficient in the face of what they perceive as disconnection between political leaders and constituents.
Debbie Burke encapsulated this perspective, stating, “We’ve got to get our voices out there as loud as we can, in the biggest numbers we can find to show people that the Trump administration is not representing the country as a whole.”
The collective efforts across Colorado showcased a strong commitment to change and a clear message of disapproval towards the current administration.
As coverage concluded from CPR News, reporters on the ground had witnessed firsthand the spectrum of voices and emotions reflecting a populace eager for political accountability, community engagement, and tangible efforts towards social justice.
In summary, the protests across Colorado displayed a unifying defiance against perceived injustices, with participants reaffirming their dedication to civic responsibility and their hopes for a more equitable future.
image source from：https://www.cpr.org/2025/06/14/no-kings-protest-colorado/
