Alabama demonstrators show out for second ‘No Kings’ peaceful protest

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Honks of support and approval were the sounds outside of the Houston County Courthouse Saturday as Dothan’s second “No Kings” protest took place.

Organizers said close to 300 people partook in the peaceful protest, aimed to push against President Donald Trump and his administration. Protestors gathered in front of the Houston County courthouse Saturday morning. The demonstration continued well into the afternoon.

A multitude of the protestors were seen holding signs with slogans like “No Kings,” “Honk for Democracy” and “Liberty and Justice For All.”

There were also several people dressed in inflatable costumes, and one man was singing parodies of popular songs.

Among those protesting on Saturday was Michael Mullen, who gave WDHN insight into the protest from the eyes of a participant.

“People that are here for all sorts of reasons,” Mullen said. “There are people that are concerned about what’s happening in our healthcare systems, people that are concerned about all the people that have been laid off from their jobs. They’re concerned about their insurance. They’re concerned about public lands.”

Mullen shared his agreement with the crowd’s concerns, as well as his own.

“All of ’em. I think the main one is legal violations,” Mullen said. “The disaster that is happening in this country, basically, Trump and Steven Miller’s disaster.”

This protest was one of 15 planned to take place across the state and among the thousands around the country.

Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, called the “No Kings” protest the “Hate America Rally” in the weeks leading up to the demonstrations.

While some may feel nervous to take part in protests, Mullen, who said he has attended several himself, stressed that there is no need to feel afraid.

“I think probably the most important thing, I’ve heard it from people out here, I’m not alone,” Mullen said. “A lot of people, especially in this part of the country in the South, they’re afraid to get out and protest. They’re afraid to express themselves.”

The American Federation of Government Employees said the protest movement has taken on new urgency thanks to the government shutdown.

The first “No Kings” protest held back in June garnered around five million people nationwide, and this weekend’s protests were anticipated to be even more packed across the country.