ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Over a dozen rallies happened Saturday across the Rochester area to protest President Donald Trump’s policies, including his use of the National Guard to police cities.
Organizers of “No Kings” say they were also protesting over controversial ICE raids, rollbacks on Medicaid, cuts to the Department of Education, and other issues. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says he will take part in one of the more than 2,500 demonstrations, which are planned across all 50 states.
“I just think it’s important because this is how change has Happened in our country. If you look through the history of the United States, civil protests have led to some of the biggest law changes and acts being passed,” said one protestor Jakob Bathrick.
Throughout the afternoon, our crews heard chants demanding justice for those they feel have been negatively impacted.
“This isn’t the America that I know and love. I just, I’m appalled. and yeah, I just want our children and everyone we love to be able to grow up in a world where they can be themselves and be able to express themselves no matter what,” said protestor Jessilyn Karr.
According to NoKings.org, there were at least 14 protests in the area, including in Webster, Canandaigua, Fairport, and right here in Rochester.
In Hamlin, hundreds gathered, including a large number of veterans.
“So I swore an oath to the Constitution. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no expiration date on that for a complete overrunning of constitutional norms. Every day there’s a constitutional crisis perpetrated by this current administration, which is unaccountable. I am going to do what I can to resist peacefully, for the sake of my daughters,” said protestor and Navy veteran Nathan Trembley.
Protests also continued in Henrietta outside the Town Hall, where it was estimated that close to 1,000 people attended.
“As a hope to be soon US history teacher, I think it’s important that we preserve the true history and integrity of the United States and make sure that what we once had we keep and we bring back and we protect,” said protester Andrew Bathrick.
In a statement on X, Rep. Claudia Tenney said “You’re not against kings, you’re mad yours lost his crown.”
Also posted to X, Monroe County Republican Committee Chairman Peter Elder said in a statement “If we truly lived under a king, this protest wouldn’t be allowed.”
See photos sent in by a viewer from the protest in Brighton
Check back later as we continue to update this story.
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