By This Is Topeka Staff
June 14, 2025 – Topeka, KS
Under the shadow of the Kansas State Capitol dome, more than 5,000 people gathered peacefully Saturday as part of a coordinated nationwide protest known as the “No Kings” movement — a sweeping show of dissent against what organizers described as a “clear and present threat to American democracy.”
Despite early warnings from conservative commentators and at least one Topeka news outlet suggesting the rally might become dangerous, the protest unfolded with resolve, calm, and a feeling many described as “hopeful unity.” It was a coming together of Kansans from all walks of life — LGBTQ+ advocates, immigration reform activists, teachers, veterans, union members, faith leaders, students, and others — to reclaim the democratic promise embedded in the phrase “We the People.”
“It didn’t feel like a protest. It felt like a reminder — that they work for us,” one Person said to cheers from the crowd, referencing both the President and local elected officials.
A Rally for Rights
At the heart of the protest was a rejection of recent presidential actions seen as extreme: the public deployment of military vehicles in Washington D.C. to celebrate the President’s birthday and Flag Day; executive orders sidestepping immigration due process; and renewed efforts to dismantle reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and racial equity initiatives.
Signs read:
Protesters didn’t just march in opposition — they marched in affirmation: of the right to protest, the importance of bodily autonomy, religious pluralism, marriage equality, and a vision of a government accountable to the people.
Media Misinformation and Fear-Stoking
Before the event, KSNT ran a segment suggesting the rally “put Kansas citizens in danger,” mirroring talking points circulated by national right-wing figures. One viral comment from a local Facebook user read:
“So stupid. It’s a paid and organized protest by rich people with agendas. They hope you get violent and get killed to further their agenda.”
Nothing could have been further from the truth.
The rally remained peaceful. Police, including Topeka Police Department officers, Kansas Capitol Police, and Kansas Highway Patrol troopers, were stationed at key locations. Their presence was non-confrontational. Officers appeared relaxed, and by all reports, protesters and law enforcement had positive interactions.
Only one arrest occurred — a Trump supporter who reportedly attempted to instigate violence and was removed by authorities. No injuries were reported, and no property was damaged.
Meanwhile, online conspiracy theories falsely claimed protesters were “bused in from out of state” or “paid actors.” Organizers confirmed that buses were chartered by Kansans from across the state — from Wichita, Manhattan, Kansas City, and beyond — to ensure broad participation. There is no evidence of outside influence or payment.
A Stark Contrast Nationwide
While Topeka’s event stayed calm, similar protests in cities like Los Angeles encountered violence — but not from the protesters. Reports from California confirmed that counter-protesters, including at least one man who drove his car into a crowd, caused injuries in a targeted attack. Two Democratic elected officials and their families were reportedly harassed and doxxed by far-right groups during the protests, according to statements from law enforcement and advocacy organizations.
Still, major conservative media outlets called the protests “dangerous” or “un-American,” even as images poured in from state capitals across the country showing diverse, nonviolent crowds chanting, singing, praying, and walking arm in arm.
A Message to Local Leadership
While the focus was national, many Topekans used the moment to reflect on local leadership — specifically the city council’s recent steps to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and review affirmative action contracts. Protesters pointed to the “No Kings” theme as a reminder to city officials: You were elected to serve the people, not rule them.
One protester simply stated:
“Topeka City Council, Take Notes.”
A Beautiful Thing
At the end of the day, no tanks rolled through the streets of Topeka. No tear gas was fired. Instead, Kansans sang, hugged, knelt in silence, and stood shoulder to shoulder in peaceful resistance.
The staff at This Is Topeka supports and celebrates every lawful exercise of our First Amendment rights — and we consider what happened today not a threat, but a triumph of American values.
“No Kings” wasn’t just a protest. It was a reaffirmation of the truth that makes democracy possible: power belongs to the people.
