Downtown Pittsburgh became a focal point of civic activism on Saturday as nearly 20,000 participants joined the national “No Kings” movement in a significant demonstration against perceived threats to democracy. The event, organized by Indivisible Pittsburgh, was part of a series of protests that occurred across the United States.
The protests on March 28 marked the third national day for the “No Kings” movement, which began in June 2025. Previous demonstrations, including one on October 18, emphasized concerns over democratic integrity under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Recent months have seen a decline in Trump’s approval ratings, fueled by voter dissatisfaction with his policies on immigration and the ongoing war in Iran.
Protestors in Pittsburgh marched through the city, chanting slogans like “No war” and “ICE out,” as they moved from Grant Street to Mellon Square. Mayor Corey O’Connor addressed the crowd, highlighting the importance of voter participation in the upcoming midterm elections. “Today, your voices are going to be heard throughout downtown, throughout the City of Pittsburgh, but we still need your voices to make big changes,” O’Connor stated.
Eugene DePasquale, chair of the Democratic Party in Pennsylvania, urged attendees to ensure they are registered to vote, emphasizing the upcoming election’s significance. “This [November] is the most important midterm election in the history of our country,” he said.
Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler shared his perspective on civic engagement, drawing from his military experience. He emphasized the importance of local action, stating, “The battle to defend our constitution wasn’t going to be fought in the mountains of Afghanistan or in the deserts of Iraq. It was going to be fought in the ballot box in places like Pennsylvania right here.”
Matt Jordan of Casa San Jose highlighted the need for local legislation to prevent cooperation with ICE, despite Allegheny County’s efforts to limit such interactions. “Every municipality must pass anti-cooperation legislation,” Jordan insisted, highlighting ICE’s “cruelty dressed up as authority.”
Jasiri X, co-founder of 1Hood Power, addressed systemic issues such as white supremacy, linking them to economic disparities in Pittsburgh. “White supremacy will tell you that a man who had six chapter 11 bankruptcies named Donald Trump is a good businessman,” he remarked.
The protest attracted diverse participants, including Kristen Capp, who attended with her children. “We’re tired and angry,” Capp expressed, noting her family’s connection to the queer community. Squirrel Hill resident Ashley Cartwright cited LGBTQ+ rights and immigration as key motivators for her presence, while downtown resident Pierre Robin led chants with his sign reading “47 is a felon.”
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