Hundreds turn out for “No Kings” rally in Palmer

Despite online rumblings of counter protests, nearly 200 people came out to participate in the “No Kings” Rally in Palmer on June 14. The peaceful protest rally was part of a National Day of Protest across the country, which saw more than 2,000 mostly peaceful protests, though there were some isolated reports of skirmishes with law enforcement, and one bystander was killed in Utah.

“We are aware of social media calls for counter-protesters, with some online voices even encouraging people to bring concealed weapons,” wrote Dave Musgrave, with the group Mat-Su United for Progress, which organized the rally.

Here in Palmer, rally participants could be seen at all four corners of Palmer-Wasilla Highway and Glenn Highway intersection beginning at 1:00 pm on Saturday, waving signs and flags

“I am really frightened about the disregard for our laws, our constitution that our government is not only displaying but doing,” said Palmer resident Abigail Salton Stall, adding that she is concerned about recent actions taken by the government, including wrestling a senator to the ground during a press conference, arresting people without cause, and ignoring court orders. “It frightens me to no end. I feel like we are at a crisis point and I don’t know what to do about it but hold a sign up at an intersection in Palmer to say it is not okay.”

She says that she intends to continue protesting and showing up. “For me, this isn’t about political party. This is about what kind of government we have, what kind of society we live in.”

“I don’t like the immigration tactics Trump is using,” said Donna Lee, from Chickaloon, who participated in rally alongside her daughter Melea Roed. Lee voiced displeasure about the president’s cuts to programs such as USAID, and his budget bill currently awaiting a vote in the Senate, dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

“It’s scary to see him taking away our rights, the states’ rights, his intimidating protestors, so freedom of speech. He divides people and uses fear to take control. With so much anger, it’s hard to find the good,” said Roed.

Several drivers could be seen and heard disparaging attendees, booing and calling the protestors names, saying they should return to California, Mexico, and England, and telling them they had “blood on their hands for Minnesota,” referring to the murders and attempted murders of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses earlier in the day.

At one point, things did become slightly heated when a driver tried to engage with protestors, and brief chanting from a small group of protestors ensued, but Musgrave soon de-escalated the situation, reminding protestors to remain peaceful and not antagonize others with differing opinions.

“While we don’t know why, we acknowledge their First Amendment rights to be present and express their views. We don’t see them as enemies, but as political rivals.”

A de-escalation workshop was held the day before to help keep the event safe and peaceful, protestors and counter protestors alike, organized by Musgrave, the day before to avoid encounters becoming out of hand.

Musgrave also identified volunteers in green vests that held a “peacekeeper” role, in case emotions and behaviors got out of hand.

A small group of President Trump supporters stood in the background, quietly watching the activities, saying they were there to exercise free speech.

“It is important to stick with a peaceful approach, not like the stuff out in LA,” said Isaac Davidson, referring to last week’s protests in Los Angeles over the administration’s immigration policies, which some small groups of protestors set self-driving cars on fire and sprayed graffiti. In response, the president federalized and sent in the California National Guard and a unit of Marines from nearby Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base.

In response to the “No Kings” rally, Davidson said “If Trump was a king, he wouldn’t let this happen.”

Though there was no visible law enforcement presence at the rally, the Alaska Department of Public Safety was aware of the peaceful protests planned, saying they were monitoring the situation.

“Alaskans regularly demonstrate their First Amendment rights peacefully, and we expect the protests this weekend will be no different. At this time, we are not aware of any dangerous or illegal behavior planned as part of these events, and the appropriate law enforcement agency will address any violations of Alaska law or dangerous conduct should they occur. We continue to work closely with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure that law enforcement is prepared for any necessary response.”

Social media posts from across the state indicate that there were over 20 “No Kings” rallies in Alaska, from Fairbanks to Ketchikan to Seldovia to Bethel, with a lone protester in the village of Emmonak on the Yukon River holding a sign reading “No Kings, only salmon.”

“From crackdowns on free speech to detaining people for their political views, threatening to deport American citizens, and openly defying court orders, this administration has trampled on democratic norms while enriching its billionaire backers.

Earlier in the day, the group Mat-Su United for Progress also had a float in the Colony Days Parade, which they said celebrated the Palmer community and the values Flag Day represents. Marchers reportedly handed out hundreds of American flags along the parade route “as a symbol of unity and shared civic pride.”

“Our presence in the parade is independent of the rally, and is a chance to show our love for Palmer and commitment to peaceful civic participation,” said Musgrave in an email.