Thousands Protest in Charleston as Part of ‘No Kings’ Movement

Charleston, SC, October 19, 2025

News Summary

In Charleston, SC, thousands participated in the ‘No Kings’ movement protests against the ongoing government shutdown, marking the sixth demonstration organized by Indivisible Summerville this year. The rallies in Summerville and North Charleston highlighted concerns for federal workers and voiced discontent with the Trump administration’s policies. The peaceful protests featured a variety of signs and drew participants advocating for democracy and justice amidst significant community engagement.

Charleston, SC – Thousands gathered across the Charleston area on Saturday as part of the “No Kings” movement, protesting amid the ongoing government shutdown that has significant implications for federal workers and services. The first of two planned demonstrations took place in Summerville, attracting around 1,000 participants who rallied against the Trump administration along North Main Street.

As the “No Kings” movement sought to mobilize millions nationwide, local rallies conveyed a clear message: citizens are united against government actions perceived as unjust. The protests also coincided with ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and discussions among the Trump administration regarding the Insurrection Act. Coverage of the events was made available on social media platforms, including YouTube, allowing broader reach and participation from other areas such as Hilton Head, Beaufort, Bluffton, Florence, Greenville, and Columbia.

Protesters in Summerville displayed a variety of signs and banners, with themes largely focused on the adverse effects of the government shutdown, particularly on federal employees. The gathering, organized by the Indivisible Summerville branch, marked the sixth protest organized by the group this year, reflecting a rising concern among community members regarding current government policies.

Demonstrations continued later in the day in North Charleston, where thousands congregated along Ashley Phosphate Road, voicing their discontent and calls for justice. As part of the “No Kings” movement, participants emphasized peaceful assembly and nonviolent action, a principle outlined on the movement’s website. Participants were encouraged to de-escalate confrontations and prohibited from bringing weapons.

Local leaders have highlighted the importance of public action in opposing the Trump administration’s policies. The presence of veterans and first-time protesters has also been noted as a sign of increasing community involvement in these demonstrations. Participants expressed broad dissatisfaction with the direction of the country, particularly concerning the treatment of federal workers during the shutdown.

The protests showcased a variety of messages, including signs stating “Democracy dies in silence,” further emphasizing the call for unified action against perceived injustices. Despite the huge turnout, local Republican leaders opted not to attend, while affirming their stance on freedom of speech while distancing themselves from the movement’s umbrella messaging.

The “No Kings” protests represent a grassroots response to ongoing political and social issues, fueling discussions about democracy, community engagement, and the pressing challenges faced by citizens today.

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Additional Resources

• Live 5 News: No Kings Protest Garners Hundreds in Summerville
• ABC News 4: Crowds Summerville No Kings Protests
• Savannah Now: No Kings Day Protests in Georgia
• Wikipedia: Government Shutdown in the United States
• Google Search: No Kings Protest

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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