Tucson rallies for “No Kings” protest at Reid Park

On a sweltering June day in Reid Park, thousands of Tucsonans gathered in defiance of what organizers called a “show of authoritarianism” by the Trump administration. Branded as the “No Kings” protest, the peaceful demonstration coincided with a military parade in Washington, D.C., held to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army — and, notably, former President Donald Trump’s birthday.

“This isn’t just about one person,” said Mayra Loreto, one of the organizers with Mobilize Tucson. “He's [Trump] spending at least over $45 million on this parade. And it's not just for him. He is putting it out there that it's for the military, for the 250th year to celebrate them, but also it's to celebrate him and his birthday. So we wanted to make sure that we came together and took the attention away from that.” Loreto also noted the importance of demystifying protests. “It's very peaceful so far. We all just take care of each other,” she said. “There's peacekeepers, there's medics on site.”

Loreto emphasized the importance of building community and resistance at the local level. The event included voter registration booths, mutual aid tables, art activities, and even a piñata for children. “We’re here to connect, support each other, and remind people that they can take action — at whatever level they’re comfortable with.”

The protest served not only as a response to Trump’s parade in D.C., but also as part of a broader grassroots effort in Tucson to challenge executive overreach and promote civic engagement. Though much of the event centered around tabling, music, and speeches — including remarks from Tucson Mayor Regina Romero — a more traditional demonstration took place later in the day along Country Club Road. The afternoon event began with the launch of the massive motorcade at 3 p.m., organized by the Democracy Unites Us organization.

Organizers from Democracy Unites Us, a group with roots in earlier protests this year including the nationally recognized “Tesla protest,” helped coordinate the motorcade that took place later in the day: a 14-mile “drive for democracy” looping through Midtown Tucson. According to Bennett Burke, a Democracy Unites Us Executive Committee member, the motor march was expected to span nearly 10 miles of vehicles, with over 4,400 registered participants. “We’re sending a message,” the representative said. “When you see tanks in the streets in D.C., that feels like North Korea or Russia. That’s not what America is supposed to be. Our answer is thousands of peaceful protesters filling the streets with hope, not fear.”

For many of those in attendance, the day was as much about mutual support as it was about political resistance. Victoria Devasto, a community organizer with the mutual aid group Community on Wheels, said the event was a powerful opportunity to celebrate solidarity. “We’re here every Saturday at Santa Rita Park doing free stores — food, hygiene, clothing for unhoused folks,” she said. “Being here today is just another way we show up. It’s hot, but it’s beautiful to be surrounded by people who care.”

That sense of security was echoed by one of the peacekeepers on site. Cayce Kenney, one of the peacekeepers helping with the event, emphasized the role of de-escalation and safety. “We make sure everybody's being safe. We peacefully engage with any opposition that might show up, you know, try and talk people down. You know, make sure people are peaceful.”

For those interested in future events or learning more, organizers directed the public to drivefordemocracy.com, a site with details on upcoming actions and ways to get involved.