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Protesters held signs, sang and chanted in opposition to national and state policies, including immigration enforcement, redistricting and impacts of the federal government shutdown.
Abriana Herron / WFYIThousands of people gathered on the south lawn of the Indiana Statehouse Saturday for the “No Kings 2.0” rally in Indianapolis.
Protesters held signs, sang and chanted in opposition to national and state policies, including immigration enforcement, redistricting and impacts of the federal government shutdown.
With Halloween around the corner, many protesters arrived in costume. Charlie Sears dressed as the Red Power Ranger. He said he chose that costume to remind elected officials that leadership serves the people.
“We’re here protesting today to make sure everyone knows it’s not appropriate to have a king instead of a president,” he said. “There should be checks and balances, and he [Trump] is actively skirting around those checks and balances.”
Indiana State Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, attended the protest. Speaking with WFYI, she highlighted concerns with redistricting, child care funding cuts and rising health care costs for Hoosiers.
“We cannot allow this power grab to happen,” she said. “That is not okay. That is not a democracy. We also can't allow Trump to keep stripping money away from Indiana.”
Hunley said she hopes attendees and her constituents will keep showing up and making their voices heard.
Protests under the “No Kings” moniker were held across the nation. More than 40 demonstrations were held across Indiana, including in Bloomington, South Bend, West Lafayette, Terre Haute and many other cities.
Indianapolis resident Mindy Rollins, wearing a purple butterfly costume, said she came to advocate for fair maps and improved health care.
“It’s making sure voters get a say in who represents them,” Rollins said. “This illegal gerrymandering they’re trying to do in the middle of the decade needs to be stopped.”
Gary native Belinda Drake said she joined the protest to demand better local leadership and accountability.
“I’m standing up for what’s right because of a failed criminal justice system, a failed health care system and because we need leadership throughout the city of Indianapolis,” Drake said.
The first “No Kings” protests took place in June. In Indianapolis, that protest also drew thousands of people to the Statehouse and merged with Indy Pride’s 30th celebration.
Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Abriana Herron at aherron@wfyi.org.
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