About 1,000 people gathered Saturday in downtown Wooster for the No Kings rally, an event that echoed nationwide protests sparked by controversial immigration enforcement, the use of military forces on U.S. soil and perceived threats to democratic values.
Despite scorching heat, demonstrators filled Public Square by 3 p.m., holding handmade signs and chanting under banners that read “No Kings,” “There Are No Illegal People” and “Protect Our Neighbors.”
“It’s just not normal,” said Mark Johnson, 53, of Wooster. “We have U.S. Marines and National Guard troops being used against American citizens. When Trump took office, people thought we were being dramatic. But this? This is where we are now. None of this should feel normal.”
The rally follows protests across the country, including in California where military presence and federal immigration actions have drawn criticism. In a USA TODAY report, government documents show Trump’s D.C. military parade alone could cost over $21.6 million a figure many at the rally said reflects misplaced priorities.
Immigration and militarization are a top issue
Protesters and organizers said immigration raids and the militarization response in California became a tipping point, drawing in many first-time demonstrators in Wooster who felt compelled to act.
“Ever since (Donald Trump) took office, it’s been building,” said Megan Duckworth, of Ashland. “Calling in the Marines on your own people? It’s horrifying.”
“Ever since he took office, it’s been building,” said Megan Duckworth, 34, of Ashland. “Calling in the Marines on your own people? It’s horrifying. And what happened in California, that was the tipping point for a lot of us.”
“I feel scared,” said Lola Franks, who came with fellow Wooster resident Debbie Idle. “My father was a World War II vet. He’d be appalled to see what’s happening now. We’re seeing authoritarianism creep in. We’ve seen this before and it doesn’t end well.”
The rally drew a cross-section of the community − students, veterans, retirees, families and first-time demonstrators, many of whom cited the same issues of militarization, mass deportations and erosion of democratic norms.
“My father was a World War II vet. He’d be appalled to see what’s happening now. We’re seeing authoritarianism creep in,” said Lola Franks, who was at the No Kings protest in Wooster on Saturday.
“I’ve never protested before,” said Duckworth, “but I couldn’t stay home anymore. The National Guard, the arrests, the raids … you don’t do that to your own people.”
‘If you don’t work at it, democracy slips away’
Stuart Miller said he’s attended every rally except one.
“I missed the last one, but not this,” he said. “When people who’ve never been politically involved start showing up, that’s when you know something has changed.”
Bill Bostancic, 99, stood beneath a handmade sign that read “Democracy Takes Work.”
“I’ve seen a lot in my lifetime; sometimes too much,” he said. “But I’ve never seen anything like this. If you don’t work at democracy, it slips away.”
“I’ve seen a lot in my lifetime; sometimes too much,” said Bill Bostancic while at the No Kings protest in Wooster on Saturday. “But I’ve never seen anything like this. If you don’t work at democracy, it slips away.”
The crowd included students, veterans, young families, retirees and even those who were reluctant protestors in the past.
“My Hispanic friends are afraid to leave their homes,” said Abby Fischer, 28. “That’s not the America we claim to be. My family came here after World War II and we know what happens when nationalism goes unchecked.”
More can be done ‘than just doomscroll’
Among the younger voices were Aaron Buettner, 21, and Marissa Blauch, 19, both shouting for democracy.
“If your government doesn’t serve you, it’s your job to stand up,” Buettner said. “We’re here because silence is no longer an option.”
“If your government doesn’t serve you, it’s your job to stand up,” said Aaron Buettrer, who was at the No Kings protest in Wooster on Saturday.
“There’s so much more we can do than just doomscroll,” added Blauch. “Go to the streets, go online, talk to people. Just do something.”
Organizers plan to continue building on the movement with more rallies expected nationwide.
“This is a pivot point,” Blauch said. “People are waking up. And we’re just getting started.”
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Wooster No Kings draws residents, students, veterans seeking democracy