A larger crowd gathered Saturday, March 28, at the intersection of Main Street and State Route 503 for the city’s second “No Kings” protest, part of the third nationwide demonstration opposing President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Organizers from North Clark County Indivisible, a recently formed chapter of the national movement, estimated a peak turnout of more than 600 people, nearly doubling attendance from the city’s first event in October. The protest remained peaceful, with participants lining the sidewalks, waving signs, and drawing steady honks from drivers, though one driver was observed blowing smoke and hurling insults on multiple occasions.
“In October, we had estimates between 350 and 450 (protestors), so we did not have as good a number then, so we are much bigger this time, which means the concerns about our democracy are growing,” Gary Obermeyer, North Clark County Indivisible’s media contact, said.
Protesters voiced a range of concerns tied to the Trump administration, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, election policies against mail-in voting and broader fears about the strength of democratic institutions.
“The concerns all tend to revolve around democracy and democratic institutions, and especially the power being usurped by the administration, Congress abdicating its power,” Obermeyer said.
Many attendees also referenced national tensions, including recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that have escalated into a broader conflict. Iran has since restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that carried roughly 34% of the world’s crude oil trade in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency, contributing to rising gas prices worldwide.
“Here we've gone to a war without any declaration, spending a billion dollars a day or more, on a war that nobody approved yet,” Obermeyer said.
Despite the weight of those concerns, organizers emphasized a positive and community-focused atmosphere throughout the event, noting visible safety teams and minimal disruptions.
“We're glad that the police again are visible to help keep people safe and the crowd's been mostly joyful,” Obermeyer said. “We've had only one problem person the whole time. You know, a few noisy pickups go by blowing smoke, but other than that, it's been fine.”
Organizers framed the protest not just as opposition, but as an effort to strengthen democratic systems and civic engagement.
“We got plenty of reasons to be ‘anti,’ but we're keeping the (idea) around pro-democracy, making our democracy stronger,” Obermeyer said. “Not just saving democracy, making us stronger.”
Looking ahead, organizers said the rally is just one step in a broader effort to build sustained political engagement in the region.
“The rallies themselves don't make a lot of difference. It's the follow-up that matters, which is why we're organizing,” Obermeyer said.
North Clark County Indivisible plans to focus upcoming meetings on supporting local public education, voting access and civic involvement, including addressing ICE concerns and encouraging participation in public meetings.
The group formed in late 2025 and continues to expand its presence in North Clark County.
“We're just going to keep building momentum until we save democracy and get back on the path to improving democracy for everybody,” Obermeyer said.
