Thousands Gather for Nationwide No Kings Protests, Detroit Lakes Sees Strong Turnout

Approximately 700 demonstrators converged in Detroit Lakes on October 7, 2023, as part of the second wave of the No Kings Day protests, aimed at expressing discontent with the current U.S. administration. This local event was one of over 2,500 protests taking place across the United States and internationally, with participation estimated in the millions.

The gathering at Veteran’s Memorial Park featured music, colorful costumes, and a display of American flags and protest signs lining Highway 10. Many participants expressed their grievances regarding a variety of issues, reflecting a broad coalition of concerns about democracy and civil rights.

Laura Koening, a local resident, emphasized the importance of solidarity, stating, “It’s fun to be out with all these people who care about democracy.” Similarly, Avis Kellerhuis articulated her commitment to constitutional rights, highlighting the need to protect those who cannot advocate for themselves.

The mood was one of determination, as many attendees wore inflatable suits reminiscent of earlier protests against federal force deployments in cities like Portland, Oregon. Lisa Anselmin, another protester, articulated a vision of America that embraces equal rights and due process, asserting, “I love my country, and when you love your country, you want it to be the best it can be.”

Attendees included families, such as Erin Azevedo, who brought her children to the protest. She conveyed her frustration with the current administration, particularly regarding cuts to education, and remarked, “Education is really huge. I’ve got kids that need services, and I think it’s horrible that they take away special education.”

Veteran volunteers like Mike Nustad worked to maintain order during the event. He criticized national Republican leaders who have labeled protesters as unpatriotic, stating, “I love America, and so do all these people.” Nustad also expressed concerns about changes to military rules under the current administration.

Protesters like Zach Foltz voiced their dissatisfaction with the current political climate, emphasizing the perceived shift towards autocracy. He pointed to the Supreme Court’s recent actions as undermining democratic norms, particularly regarding the potential implications for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The concerns echoed by attendees included a perceived erosion of unwritten rules that have long protected democracy, as expressed by Kennon Moen. “It’s hard to pin down any one thing,” he noted, reflecting on the long-standing norms that seem threatened today.

Many participants, like Kim Meyer, protested against attempts to rebrand the movement as anti-American. Meyer stated, “God knows we don’t hate America. And it’s very important that we don’t allow them to rebrand it.”

Among the crowd was Sarah Bjornson, who attended with her daughter, concerned about the generational impact of current policies. Her daughter, Ashlynn, expressed worries about school shootings and women’s rights.

Religious leaders also joined the protest, including Leslie Zeek, pastor at Detroit Lakes United Methodist Church, who highlighted healthcare costs and immigration issues as critical concerns for her community.

The turnout exceeded expectations, according to Kathy Coyle, chair of the local Indivisible group. She expressed her gratitude for the large crowd on what was a chilly day, stating, “Oh my God, I am almost in tears.” Coyle noted that this protest saw an increase in attendance compared to previous events, with nearly 700 participants counted before they moved to City Park for a communal picnic.

The gathering concluded with remarks from Coyle, who emphasized the fragility of democracy in America. “Democracy’s future is fragile in America — it’s fragile right now,” she warned. The group plans to continue their weekly protests every Saturday at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, advocating for the health of democracy and the protection of constitutional rights.

Despite a few counter-protesters present, the demonstrators largely focused on their message, seeking to uphold the values they believe are essential to the nation’s future.