Nashville ‘No Kings’ protest draws thousands

Cynthia AbramsWPLN NewsA large, vocal and peaceful gathering — that was Nashville’s version of the “No Kings” protest against President Donald Trump on Saturday. Thousands gathered at Bicentennial Mall before dispersing to Jefferson Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard, holding signs and chanting call-and-response phrases like “What do we want? Democracy! When do we want it? Now!” The protest was a part of a nationwide response to the Trump administration’s large-scale military parade in Washington D.C. Some 2,000 “No Kings” rallies were planned across the country. Many Nashville protesters said they were particularly motivated to show up after recent ICE arrests. “I came out today because I am just terrified for our country,” protester Sara Striegel said. “Seeing the way that ICE is being used to oppress our immigrants and the way that it’s not safe to be a person of color. As a brown woman and a child of immigrants, it’s terrifying to think that the rule of law is no longer in place.” Ashley Johnson, a teacher, said she was there on behalf of her students. “I am just so worried about all of our students that don’t have citizen status,” Johnson said. “I know students whose parents have already been deported and they have to choose whether they’re going to stay here with family they barely know or go back to a country they’ve never been in with their family. I just think that we need to confront what’s really wrong with this country — and immigrants are not what is wrong with this country.” A small group of counter protesters was present, with some wearing a symbol associated with the far-right extremist group the Proud Boys. One arrest was made of counter-protester Elijah Millar, of Murfreesboro, who was charged with disorderly conduct. Attendees say Millar was arguing with and spitting at people, before brandishing his firearm. Metro Nashville Police say this was the only arrest related to the protest. Update: This story was updated to include additional details around the arrest of a counter-protester.