Demonstrators gather on the steps of the state Capitol before the “No Kings” protest against President Donald Trump in Sacramento on Saturday. DANIEL HEUER dheuer@sacbee.com
Protesters began gathering early on the west steps of the state Capitol in Sacramento as a so-called “No Kings” protest against Trump administration policies, part of a nationwide day of demonstrations meant to coincide with a military parade marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army that also falls on Flag Day and the birthday of President Donald Trump.
The demonstrations, which were estimated to draw as many as 5,000 people in Sacramento and thousands more nationwide, come against a backdrop of ongoing protests in Los Angeles over immigration raids and Trump’s subsequent deployment of the California National Guard and U.S. Marines to the city, over the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The day opened with news that two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota and their spouses had been shot by a man wearing a police uniform, heightening anxieties and tensions.
The event is sponsored by Indivisible Sacramento, which is part of a national coalition of groups that was founded after President Trump’s election in opposition to his policies and expansion of the powers of the executive.
Amy, left, Kyler, 4, center left, and Arora, 2, center right, and Joseph Small, sit on state Capitol mall before the “No Kings” protest against President Donald Trump in Sacramento on Saturday. DANIEL HEUER dheuer@sacbee.com
Newsom orders CHP on alert for protests
Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered the deployment of nearly 700 California Highway Patrol officers statewide in anticipation of large-scale protests expected this weekend. The move includes activating all eight CHP Special Response Teams and placing the agency’s Southern Division in Los Angeles on tactical alert.
The pre-deployment, coordinated with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, is aimed at supporting local law enforcement, protecting peaceful demonstrators and preventing violence, vandalism and looting.
“California has zero tolerance for those who plan to take advantage of peaceful demonstrations with violence,” Newsom said in a statement Friday. “We’re pre-deploying resources to maintain safety — and we will prosecute those who break the law.”
CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring First Amendment rights are protected.
“Our officers stand ready to ensure these rights are exercised safely and lawfully,” he said.
Cal OES Director Nancy Ward added in the Governor’s Office’s statement that while no significant requests for mutual aid have been made, the agency remains in close contact with local governments.
In a separate video posted to social media, Newsom urged Californians not to remain silent amid what he described as a critical national moment.
“We will lose this democracy ... so much faster than people think if we are silent,” he said.
Tanya Homman sets up a “Stop Project 2025” sign at state Capitol mall before the “No Kings” protest against President Donald Trump in Sacramento on Saturday. DANIEL HEUER dheuer@sacbee.com
American flags and the Declaration of Independence
Glenda Hillman was one of the first people to arrive on the west steps of the Capitol building in downtown Sacramento. She wore a blue t-shirt emblazoned with the American flag and text that draws on the Declaration of Independence.
“We the people,” it read. “No kings in America.”
Hillman said she also protested against Trump and Elon Musk in April.
“I’m just an old lady from the ‘60s and ‘70s who knows how to protest,” she said.
Air Force veteran Steven Cook wore a hat in the shape of a taco, a reference to the disparaging catch-phrase “Trump always chickens out.”
His wife, who is in a wheelchair and doesn’t usually participate in political events, was also in attendance.
“She felt so strongly about this and she wanted to be here,” Cook said.
Alejandro Heredia sits on the steps of the state Capitol before the “No Kings” protest against President Donald Trump in Sacramento on Saturday. DANIEL HEUER dheuer@sacbee.com
Police increase security
Law enforcement presence in downtown Sacramento was visibly heightened Saturday as crowds gathered for a protest and other planned events around the Capitol.
The Sacramento Police Department confirmed it had deployed additional resources in response to the demonstration, though officials declined to disclose specific numbers, citing officer safety. The California Highway Patrol, which is responsible for securing the Capitol building itself, also acknowledged the event but said it does not discuss operational plans with the public.
The increased security comes amid national concern following Saturday morning’s fatal shooting of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Authorities in Minnesota say a second state lawmaker, Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife were also shot multiple times at their home, and a manhunt is underway for the suspect, according to the Associated Press.
Susan Sparks of Fairfield holds a sign that says “Keep your fascist hands off my senator” as she attends the “No Kings” protest at the California Capitol in Sacramento on Saturday. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
“This is appalling,” Newsom wrote on X. “Lawmakers are now being shot and assassinated — targeted for their political beliefs. We pray for their families. We grieve with Minnesota. We call for peace in our politics.”
About half an hour later, Newsom posted another message on X, seeming to reference the day of “No Kings” protests, asking for a peaceful gathering. “You don’t have to match the chaos. Choose calm. Choose peace,” the governor wrote.
Protests beyond downtown pop up
Protests under the banner “No Kings” were unfolding across the capital region Saturday, with demonstrations extending far beyond the state Capitol grounds.
In Rancho Cordova, demonstrators were spotted lining an overpass spanning westbound Highway 50 near the Mather Field Road exit. Protesters held signs and banners visible to passing motorists, signaling their opposition to President Donald Trump’s actions.
Protesters raise a banner saying “No Kings in USA” on a pedestrian overpass along Highway 50 near Mather Field Road in Rancho Cordova on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Protests are being organized at the California state Capitol in Sacramento as well as several other locations in the capital region. Ishani Desai idesai@sacbee.com
These scenes were expected to echo throughout the Sacramento area through the day as events were also planned in Auburn, Woodland and Elk Grove as part of a coordinated day of nationwide demonstrations. In Woodland, participants were expected to march from the new courthouse to the old one downtown. In Elk Grove, protesters planned to gather outside a shopping center on Laguna Boulevard. Folsom demonstrators were meeting near East Bidwell Street and the Highway 50 overpass.
Saturday’s protests aligned with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army — being celebrated with a parade at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time. While the official celebration in Washington, D.C., centered on a military parade, Sacramento-area demonstrators emphasized grassroots civic engagement as a contrast to the event that coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday.
According to the No Kings coalition, about 2,000 such events were scheduled coast to coast.
The Bee’s Sharon Bernstein, Kate Wolffe, Molly Gibbs, Jack Rodriquez-Vars, Ethan Wolin, Calista Oetama, Sean Campbell, Ishani Desai and Daniel Hunt contributed to this story.