News Summary
A significant protest event, dubbed ‘No Kings’, took place in Charleston, with over 1,000 participants expressing dissent against President Trump’s administration. The demonstrations highlighted contentious regulations on public gatherings, raising concerns about First Amendment rights. Activists sought freedom to assemble in visible locations, contesting city ordinances that required permits for protests. Tensions arose, leading to arrests, but overall, the protests proceeded without major incidents, reflecting civic engagement across South Carolina against perceived authoritarianism in governance.
Charleston, SC – A series of protests known as “No Kings” occurred in Charleston on June 15, 2025, as an expression of dissent against President Donald Trump and his administration. This protest was part of a widespread national demonstration aimed at challenging Trump’s policies, particularly those related to immigration and various social issues.
Over 1,000 individuals gathered at Hampton Park, while a smaller group convened in Brittlebank Park, both voicing their opposition to the government’s stance on key issues. In a response to the participants’ concerns regarding public demonstrations, the Charleston Police Department implemented crowd control measures, including cordoning off substantial areas in Hampton Park. However, permission for protests was denied at the more prominent Marion Square, which activists believe could have amplified their message.
At the heart of the protest was a contentious ordinance requiring police approval for public demonstrations. The activists claimed that this requirement infringes upon their constitutional rights to free speech and assembly. Concerns about the ordinance were echoed by former City Council member Carol Jackson, who called for a re-evaluation of the ordinance, arguing that it restricts visible public assembly, thereby diminishing the impact of protests.
Mayor William Cogswell defended the city’s decision, emphasizing that Marion Square is not city-owned and citing logistical challenges as reasons for denying protests at that site. He maintained that the current statute aligns with First Amendment rights. Despite the mayor’s explanation, Jackson and the Human Affairs and Racial Conciliation Commission collectively requested a reassessment of the protest regulations, highlighting community concerns about their implications for citizen rights.
Protesters alleged that limiting gatherings to less visible locations serves as a strategic effort to downplay the protests’ significance. In response to being denied a permit for Marion Square, organizers from the grassroots coalition “Everyday People” conducted a press conference on June 18, asserting that the ordinance favors established power structures while undermining citizens’ rights.
The protests witnessed some tension during the event, with the arrest of Lt. Col. Joseph Reynolds for trespassing and resisting arrest, while Matthews Colburn was charged with disorderly conduct for using a megaphone amidst the gathering. Despite the law enforcement presence, which included officers on foot, bicycles, and horseback, officials reported that the protests progressed without major incidents or injuries, despite unrelated claims from the Charleston Community Service Organization regarding a police horse reportedly charging into protesters.
Participants and legal representatives expressed apprehensions regarding the heavy police presence, arguing that it could exacerbate tensions and lead to confrontations. Attorney Allie Menegakis brought attention to the legality of police enforcement actions during public assembly and the necessity of permits for spontaneous gatherings, further complicating the intersection of rights and law enforcement during protests.
A related protest took place on June 14, highlighting similar themes surrounding opposition to President Trump’s administration. Activists rallied to defend democracy and civil rights, signifying an ongoing dialogue regarding governance and societal values in Charleston and across the nation.
In addition to the Charleston protests, cities including Summerville and Beaufort participated in the national “No Kings” movement, demonstrating a unified stance against perceptions of authoritarianism in government. The events underscore the active civic engagement seen throughout South Carolina, as citizens rally together to advocate for their rights and opinions in light of current political climates.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston Protest Against First Amendment Ordinance
- Live 5 News: Hundreds Gather for Charleston No Kings Protest
- Charleston City Paper: Peaceful Protests Planned in Charleston
- Count On 2: Thousands Attend No Kings Rallies in Charleston
- ABC News 4: Protestors Rally Against Government Overreach
- Wikipedia: First Amendment to the United States Constitution
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.
