‘No Kings’ in Abilene: Voices rise in peaceful protest at city hall

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – June 14, 2025, was a politically charged day across the country, marked by Flag Day, a military parade for the Army’s 250th birthday led by President Donald Trump on a day that also happens to be his 79th birthday, and a wave of nationwide protests. In Abilene, hundreds gathered outside City Hall to join the national ‘No Kings’ protest.

Organizers estimated more than 400 people attended the demonstration, which opposed policies enacted by Trump and his administration. According to NoKings.org, the movement aims to “reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like.”

Protest organizers that KTAB/KRBC spoke with said they were in contact with the Abilene Police Department days before the demonstration in response to some concerning comments made on social media. Organizers extend their thanks to APD for its presence at the protest. The event proceeded peacefully, as planned.

Local volunteer Sammy Garcia said the protest was driven by a growing fear that elected leaders are failing to protect democracy.

“This effort to become a dictatorship in this country has fallen short. So it’s being left up to the people to speak up and have their voices heard. This is a national event, but we want to make sure that people in this area, in Abilene, in the country, know that our voices are as loud as anybody else’s in the country,” Garcia shared. “That’s why you see so many people showing up. We’re here to speak for all of us and for all of those of us who are going to suffer under any kind of dictatorship.”

Protesters held signs and chanted phrases like “This is what democracy looks like”, “We the people means all people”, “No Kings since 1776”, and “Jesus is my only King.” Throughout the event, speakers took the mic to share personal stories and explain why they felt compelled to take a stand.

Among them was Navy Veteran Harold Kirk, a Desert Storm Combat Veteran from a family with deep military roots. Kirk criticized the use of active-duty military during protests, calling it a misuse of power.

“You don’t bring our Marines on active duty to scare their fellow citizens in the United States of America… This is not a commander-in-chief.  This is someone who wants the military to do whatever he wants, and that’s not good. We are not in a war. We are not in a war here in the United States,” Kirk expressed.

The demonstration remained peaceful, with only a few words exchanged between opposing sides — something counter-protester Patrick Milligan said he appreciated.

“I’d like to say it was very nice that it was peaceful. I didn’t see what I saw in Los Angeles, and I think it was good that people on both sides of the discussion came out to have a say,” Milligan said.

He attended with his wife, both of whom were curious to see how a nationwide protest would play out in the Key City — and to show their support for President Trump.

“We just want to come out and see. So we brought our support for President Trump and just wanted to show the other side of this story with this protest going on,” Milligan added.

Roughly 20 counter-protesters were in attendance.