Thousands of people are expected to gather in Austin this afternoon as part of a nationwide protest against Trump administration actions, including immigration enforcement, and military strikes on Iran and Venezuela.
“Silence is not an option when our families are under attack,” the event description reads. “From Iran to Venezuela to our own streets, the costs of this administration’s cruelty fall on real people.”
Saturday’s protest is a continuation of civil unrest over the last few months after two U.S. citizens were killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Minneapolis. Public demonstrations have included student walkouts and rallies.
Austin’s No Kings Protest is one of more than 3,000 events planned across the nation, which organizers said is more than previous mobilizations and could be record-setting, according to a news release.
The No Kings movement has been nonviolent. Similar protests in June and October last year brought thousands of people together, including elected leaders, in peaceful mobilization.
Saturday’s protest will start with a march from Austin City Hall at 12:30 p.m. Demonstrators will head to Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, where the rally is set to start at 1 p.m.
Speakers and performers include Austin drag queen Brigitte Bandit, former congressional candidate Dan Weber and local organizers like Yasmine Smith. Several others are included in the line up.
In previous protests, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard members have deployed to Austin to respond to any violence, but it’s not clear if that is happening this time.
The Austin Police Department has a history of being supportive of the public’s right to gather, encouraging peaceful demonstrations.
Nearby cities like Pflugerville, Round Rock, and Cedar Park are also expected to hold their own events.
This is a developing story.
