News Summary
A significant protest took place in Hampton Park, Charleston, where over 1,200 people gathered to voice their opposition to President Trump’s administration as part of a nationwide ‘No Kings’ day of protests. Participants chanted slogans advocating for democracy and social justice, while notable speakers addressed key issues. The event, which saw two arrests but no reported violence, reflected a growing discontent towards current policies and was accompanied by subsequent protests in other South Carolina cities.
Charleston, South Carolina – On June 14, 2025, over 1,200 individuals gathered in Hampton Park for a significant protest against President Donald Trump and his administration. This event was part of a nationwide “No Kings” day of protests that took place across various cities in the United States. Participants expressed their opposition to policies and actions they believe undermine democracy and social justice.
The protest unfolded in warm weather, with the temperature reaching around 90°F and dropping to around 78°F later in the evening. The weather conditions were generally favorable, with a mix of sunshine and clouds, and winds blowing from the southwest at 10 to 20 mph.
Areas within Hampton Park were cordoned off by event organizers to ensure a safe space for the demonstrators. Participants engaged in chants such as “No hate. No fear. Immigrants are welcome here” and “The people united will never be divided!” The protest featured notable speakers including former Congressman Joe Walsh and U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Annie Andrews, who addressed the crowd on key issues relevant to the movement.
The local Charleston Police Department, which facilitated the event in collaboration with the Charleston Community Service Organization and Indivisible Charleston, reported two arrests during the protest. The individuals arrested were identified as Joseph Reynolds, 59, charged with trespassing and resisting arrest, and Matthews Colburn, 33, charged with disorderly conduct. Fortunately, there were no reports of violence or property damage during the protest.
Conflicts arose towards the end of the protest, when a mounted unit from the Charleston Police activated sirens as the demonstrators marched peacefully. Videos of the incident circulated online, showing a mounted patrol, including a horse identified as Mount Riley, allegedly charging at the protestors. This generated differing accounts from both police and protestors regarding the nature of the incident. The police asserted that no injuries occurred and indicated that the police response was due to protestors attempting to disrupt an arrest of an individual.
Following the main event, additional protests took place the next day at Brittlebank Park without any reported incidents. Other cities in South Carolina, such as Columbia, Summerville, and various locations in the Upstate, also held similar protests on the same day, demonstrating widespread discontent with the current administration.
The timing of the protests coincided with a planned military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and President Trump’s birthday. Many attendees expressed diverse motivations for participating, including support for democratic values, opposition to mass deportations, and advocacy for LGBTQ rights and other social issues.
Signs promoting various social causes, including immigration reform and healthcare, were prevalent among the demonstrators, reflecting the multifaceted nature of concerns voiced during the protest. The event was reported as well-coordinated and respectful, highlighting the desire for safe and lawful demonstrations.
Charleston’s police chief emphasized the importance of respecting peaceful demonstrations and acknowledged the value of civic participation in voicing differing opinions. This event in Charleston forms part of a broader national dialogue as citizens continue to express their views on pressing social and political issues facing the country today.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Protests and Police Clashes Erupt in L.A. Over Immigration Enforcement
Thousands Join ‘No Kings’ Protests Across South Carolina
New Tea Shop Oliver Pluff and Co. Opens in Charleston
Tens of Thousands Rally for ‘No Kings Day’ in Southern California
Grand Military Parade Marks Major Milestones Amid Protests
South Carolina Chamber Urges Trump’s Action on Commerce Secretary
Charleston Prepares for Nationwide Protests
Four Detainees Escape from Delaney Hall Detention Facility
U.S. Army Celebrates 250th Anniversary with Grand Festivities
Protests Planned in Charleston for Trump’s Birthday Celebration
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Post and Courier
- Count on 2 News
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- Google Search: No Kings protest 2025
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The HERE Charleston Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Charleston community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Charleston : Our team includes lifelong Charleston residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Charleston's equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Charleston Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
