The progressive advocacy group Public Citizen is currently holding “No Kings” demonstrations, which they claim focus on defending democracy and opposing what they describe as “administrative overreach.” However, there have been nationwide arrests, reports of injuries, and concerns about potential agitators that complicate this narrative.
In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Lisa Gilbert, co-chair of Public Citizen, dismissed allegations that the protests turned violent, stating that the intention was to promote unity rather than create conflict. “The notion of America being a democracy is not just about political parties. It’s fundamentally about a system with checks and balances where elected officials are held accountable,” she explained. “It’s about why people come together for this cause.”
Nationwide Protests and Local Violence
While many of the “No Kings” protests on June 14 were peaceful, some incidents escalated into violence, leading to multiple arrests and at least one fatality. Organizers mentioned that around 2,500 rallies were scheduled across the country.
Salt Lake City, Utah
In Salt Lake City, Arthur Forasa Ah Lu, a 39-year-old fashion designer and former contestant on “Project Runway,” was tragically killed during a “No Kings” protest. Local police confirmed he was not the intended target. The incident occurred when a peacekeeper at the event mistakenly fired after a suspect approached the crowd with a rifle.
Austin, Texas
In Austin, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced the arrest of nine individuals during the protests. The demonstrations began at the Texas State Capitol and continued through downtown after the Capitol grounds closed for the night, with cooperation from the Austin Police Department.
Riverside, California
Two people were arrested after a hit-and-run incident during the Riverside “No Kings” protests, seriously injuring a woman named Alexa Carrasco. Police reported that the SUV driver intentionally swerved into the crowd, and Carrasco is currently hospitalized in critical condition.
Ocala, Florida
In Ocala, law enforcement took three individuals into custody during the protests. The charges included shoving a protester, assault with a weapon, and hitting someone with a cardboard sign.
Culpeper, Virginia
Joseph R. Checkrick Jr. was arrested after allegedly driving his SUV into a dispersing crowd of protesters, prompting charges of reckless driving. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries related to this incident. He was later released on bail.
Defending ‘No Kings’ Safety Efforts
Gilbert acknowledged the challenge of managing every aspect of the protests but asserted that Public Citizen was actively offering safety training and guidance. She emphasized the importance of peacefully participating in protests as a right and that they aim to mitigate risks as much as possible. “These events are fundamentally peaceful,” she stated. “The issues arise from militarized responses, not from the protesters themselves.”
On another note, concerns have been raised regarding potential outside influences infiltrating the protests. Adam Swart, CEO of Clouds on Demand, warned that “No Kings” could attract paid agitators and foreign influences, undermining the movement’s integrity. Swart remarked that such events are often exploited for profit amidst chaos.
Although some may question the protests’ peaceful nature, organizers like Gilbert are adamant about their commitment to monitoring threats and maintaining safety. They are implementing measures such as volunteer security teams and non-violence training to protect participants and ensure the demonstrations remain peaceful.
