News Summary
The upcoming No Kings Day protests in Los Angeles are poised to attract thousands, expressing opposition to the perceived authoritarianism of the Trump administration. Organizers emphasize the need to stand against chaos and corruption, amidst rising tensions following recent political violence. Local authorities are preparing to ensure peaceful demonstrations while balancing public safety concerns. The protests, backed by progressive groups, are also expected to disrupt traffic across California.
Los Angeles – The second “No Kings Day” protest is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, and is anticipated to draw thousands of participants throughout Southern California. This series of protests aims to voice opposition against what organizers describe as the “authoritarian excesses and corruption” of the Trump administration.
Prominent Republicans have denounced the planned protests, labeling them as anti-American. Organizers contend that the president operates under the illusion of absolute rule, asserting the core belief that the United States is a nation without kings and expressing a commitment to combating chaos, corruption, and cruelty.
The first “No Kings” protest occurred in June 2025, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. The initial event was mostly peaceful; however, it resulted in confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement in downtown Los Angeles, leading to the deployment of chemical irritants and flash bang grenades by officers.
On October 18, hundreds of protests are set to occur nationwide, with numerous events planned specifically in Southern California. Protests have gained a heightened atmosphere of tension due to recent political violence incidents, including the fatal shootings of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and Democratic Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman. Additionally, there was a deadly shooting outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Dallas, Texas.
As the protests approach, there are concerns regarding potential troop deployments in various U.S. cities, including Chicago and Portland. The federal government has indicated that these deployments aim to support immigration agents and safeguard federal property. House Speaker Mike Johnson characterized the forthcoming National Mall march as a “hate America rally,” associating it with the “pro-Hamas wing” and individuals aligned with Antifa.
In response to Kirk’s death, Trump has pledged to target the “radical left” and has taken steps to label Antifa a domestic terrorism organization. Organizers of the No Kings protests have criticized Johnson for prioritizing government shutdowns while denouncing peaceful demonstrators.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has encouraged demonstrators to maintain a peaceful approach during the protests, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for vandalism or criminal actions. Law enforcement agencies across Southern California are preparing for the protests, balancing the support of the right to assemble with the enforcement of law and order. Enhanced patrols by county sheriffs are set for neighborhoods in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, and Orange County during the protests.
The Santa Ana police department has indicated that officers will be available to monitor the Santa Ana protest, recalling that similar past events have remained peaceful. The upcoming protests are primarily supported by two progressive groups, Indivisible and the 50501 movement. The spokesperson for Indivisible has highlighted the importance of standing against authoritarianism and advocating for universal rights.
The October 18 protests are part of a larger movement responding to concerns about perceived authoritarianism and corruption during the Trump administration. California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed frustration over possible disruptions to the Interstate 5 (I-5) highway due to the protests, coinciding with a military parade for the U.S. Marine Corps 250th anniversary.
Reports have suggested possible road closures along sections of the I-5, raising worries about traffic disruptions amid the protests. Governor Newsom has criticized the situation via social media, arguing it reflects a lack of respect for the military while urging officials to prioritize the payment of troops over public spectacle events. The White House has refuted claims of road closures, deeming them “fake news.”
In preparation for the protests on October 18, state transportation authorities are implementing increased safety measures and planning accordingly. Events for the No Kings protests will occur statewide in California, with key locations and times for Southern California announced.
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Additional Resources
- Daily News: What to Know About the Local No Kings Protests
- Desert Sun: No Kings Protest Safety Tips
- LAist: No Kings Protests Across SoCal
- Google Search: No Kings Protests California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protests in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
