By This Is Topeka Staff
TOPEKA, Kan. — A large-scale protest dubbed “No Kings” is expected to descend upon downtown Topeka today, as part of a coordinated, nationwide demonstration taking place in all 50 states. Multiple sources confirmed to This Is Topeka that buses carrying participants from across Kansas are enroute to the capital city, with plans to rally in protest of what organizers describe as a growing culture of authoritarianism in the United States.
The “No Kings” protest coincides with President Donald Trump’s birthday and a controversial military-style celebration in Washington, D.C., which will feature tanks rolling through the streets — a first in American history. While such displays are common in countries like North Korea or Russia, critics say it represents an inappropriate militarization of civic space and a move toward nationalism.
Local organizers have emphasized that the demonstration in Topeka is expected to remain peaceful. “We’ve spoken to representatives from several of the groups involved,” one organizer told This Is Topeka. “There’s been no talk of violence, and we’re coming to exercise our rights, not escalate anything.”
The protest is expected to include a broad coalition of advocacy groups, grassroots organizations, veterans, students, labor activists, and faith leaders — all uniting under the “No Kings” banner, which references a rejection of monarchical or dictatorial leadership in a democratic republic.
Online chatter surrounding the protests has drawn national attention, particularly after President Trump warned that demonstrators would be “met with great force.” While Fox News later clarified that the President was referring specifically to “violent rioters,” civil liberties groups have expressed concern about the potential for excessive policing of peaceful protests.
White supremacists groups have been circulating violent rhetoric online on telegram through memes, including shooting No-Kings protesters assured that the President will once again pardon them for violence on his behalf.
Topeka police have not commented publicly on specific plans for crowd control or road closures related to the protest. As of press time, no permit disputes or restrictions have been reported.
The rally is expected to take place near the Kansas State Capitol, starting at 3pm on the south steps of the capital. Sources say volunteers will be on site to assist.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
