Thousands Rally for No Kings Day Protests Across DuPage County

UPDATE: Over 1,000 protesters are currently rallying for No Kings Day across DuPage County, with significant gatherings reported on October 7, 2023. Demonstrators have taken to the streets, particularly along Roosevelt Road, where they are voicing demands for justice, equality, and democracy.

Organized by Indivisible DuPage alongside local Democratic organizations, protests have emerged at ten key intersections stretching from Villa Park to Wheaton. Each site focuses on critical themes such as free speech, health care, and environmental rights. The turnout at these protests is unprecedented, reflecting a growing urgency among citizens regarding the state of democracy in the United States.

Sana Hameed, a Pakistani native from Glen Ellyn, expressed her concerns: “I don’t want to see dictatorship in the United States,” she said. “This is about preserving a true democracy.” Fellow protester Susan Dahl echoed this sentiment, stating, “This situation we are experiencing is once in a lifetime and never to be experienced again.”

Throughout the day, participants donned patriotic attire and held signs with powerful messages, such as “Hate Won’t Make America Great.” Many attendees, including veterans and families, emphasized the importance of standing up for rights and freedoms. “It is powerful to see people come out and say, ‘this is the first time I am protesting because what choice do we have,’” said Nancy Egerton from Glen Ellyn.

At the corner of President Street and Roosevelt Road, Stacy Slater, affiliated with the Democratic Party of Milton Township, noted the significance of the gathering: “This is not about being left or right; this is a moral stance.” The overwhelming support from motorists has provided a sense of solidarity among the protesters.

Earlier in the day, more than 1,000 participants converged at Janes Avenue and Boughton Road in Bolingbrook, surpassing expectations of 400 attendees. State Senator Rachel Ventura joined the protest, dressed in a frog costume to support a man who was pepper-sprayed in Portland. The crowd, diverse and vibrant, included veterans, parents, and children, all rallying for a future where democracy prevails.

First-time protester Kristin Kozlowski brought her sons to ensure they “will be able to vote in a free and fair election in the future.” Cyndi Totter, motivated by her granddaughter’s rights, highlighted the generational impact of the ongoing political landscape. “I want a world to be good for them,” she stated.

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Darren Robinson emphasized the need to protect democratic values, stating, “I did not serve to protect a person. I served to protect our rights and what our country’s forefathers intended.” His passionate call to action resonated with many attendees who believe the current administration threatens the freedoms they cherish.

As protests continue to unfold across DuPage County, authorities report that the movement is gaining momentum. Protesters are united in their determination to safeguard civil rights and ensure a fair democracy for future generations.

Stay tuned as we provide ongoing coverage of this developing story. What happens next in the fight for democracy will be crucial for all Americans.