The nationwide "No Kings" protests, held on June 14, 2025, and again on October 18, 2025, drew massive crowds across the United States, cementing their place as one of the largest coordinated protest movements in recent history. Organizers estimate that the initial June demonstration saw over five million people participate across more than 2,100 cities and towns. The October follow-up was anticipated to be even larger, with events planned in over 2,700 locations.
The distributed model, which emphasized local community rallies over a single march in Washington D.C., highlighted broad discontent stretching from major metropolitan centers to smaller, rural communities.
📈 Major City Turnout: The High-Water Marks
While the protests were decentralized, the largest concentrations of demonstrators appeared in major urban centers, particularly on the East and West Coasts.
Washington D.C. Area: The capital area saw one of the largest single rallies during the October event, with reports indicating over 200,000 people gathered near the U.S. Capitol.
New York City, NY: The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that over 100,000 people showed up across all five boroughs during the October 18 protests, exercising their right to assembly.
San Francisco Bay Area, CA: The entire Bay Area saw a combined turnout of more than 140,000 protesters during the June events. This included nearly 50,000 in San Francisco proper, and estimates of over 10,000 each in Oakland and Berkeley.
Chicago, IL: In the Midwest, the June protest drew more than 70,000 people to Daley Plaza. Organizers for the October event moved the rally to the larger Grant Park to accommodate expected high numbers.
San Diego, CA: Roughly 60,000 people participated in the San Diego demonstration in June.
🏘️ Local Mobilization: A Cross-Country Movement
The strength of the "No Kings" movement was its reach into smaller cities, reflecting its broad base of opposition.
California (Southern): Organizers for the October rally in Los Angeles anticipated attendance to reach 100,000.
Philadelphia, PA: This city hosted the original "flagship event" in June, drawing tens of thousands of demonstrators.
Portland, OR: The June demonstration in Portland alone drew more than 50,000 protesters to the downtown area.
Phoenix, AZ: An estimated 20,000 people rallied at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza outside the State Capitol.
Atlanta, GA: At least 10,000 people filled the Atlanta Civic Center field in October before marching to the State Capitol.
Deep Red States: Even in areas with heavy support for the current administration, the numbers were significant. Examples include 2,000 people in Mobile, Alabama, and 2,000 people in the small city of Pueblo, Colorado.
The high attendance figures nationwide underscore the massive scale of opposition across diverse regions of the U.S.