No Kings Protest – June 14th, 2025

NOTE: This is an overview of my experience at the event – No Kings Protest. I plan to make an additional article about the I.C.E Detention Center in Portland and the issues leading to the protests.

With recent events flooding my timeline on Threads I had become increasingly aware of the upcoming protest related to POTUS Donald Trump called the: No Kings Protest organized by a group called 50501 (means: 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement). Even more attention was brought to these events after multiple raids were conducted by ICE in Los Angeles (and other blue cities) arresting multiple suspected illegal immigrants without due process.

My goal in going to the protests was to first and foremost take part in the “show of disapproval” related to actions our government has taken, and secondly to ensure the protest is documented in unbiased way showing people peacefully demonstrating their first amendment right.

PPB blocking off Naito parkway and Ash street

Protester with sign "Protest while you still can".

Elderly protester joining the growing crowd at the waterfront with a creative sign.

Protesters started gathering at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park in preparation for the No Kings Protest starting well before noon, the anticipated march time. Naito Parkway was shut down from Jefferson to Pine street with Portland Police Bureau guiding traffic away as crowds of people walked towards the waterfront. I saw LOTS of funny, artistic, and thought provoking signs, and lots of props and costumes to go along with it. Atmosphere at the waterfront was very energetic but at no point made me feel uneasy; if anything it drew me in. I think everyone was equal parts shocked and excited for the MASSIVE turn out of like minded individuals.

No Kings Protest starts march down Naito parkway.

Rough drawing of route the No Kings Protest took.

I personally have not had the opportunity to take part in protest or march before so seeing so many moving bodies in agreement like that was truly a marvel. I was also very fortunate that I thought to bring my bike so I was in the very front the entire time and able to stay ahead of the march to document it which for an extra unique experience. I was reminded why I am so proud to be born and raised in Portland and shows that most of the negative media about it is incredibly biased.

Front of the No Kings march with 50501 banner

After a walking a couple blocks through down Jefferson street the march lined up to go across the Hawthorne Bridge. One of the “scarier” moments for me was going across the middle of the bridge. For those that are not familiar the entirety of the road on the Hawthorne bridge is grated metal! Now I should’ve known this from growing up here but had only ever driven over the bridge not rode over with a bike. Let me tell you… being able to see 50 feet down to water for a 1/4 mile is NOT a calming experience.

50501 volunteers helping guide the march.

PPB helping prevent traffic from obstructing.

I do want to take a moment to shout out the 50501 volunteers (photo of group of cyclists wearing reflective gear) and PPB, they did an excellent job directing cars away from the march and creating a safe environment. On numerous occasions I saw people ask PPB questions and they were always met with kind and cordial answers. I am very critical of our police and how our tax dollars are spent but I also think it is important to give credit where credit is due.

Crowd absorbing the Hawthorne Bridge.

March crossing over the Morrison Bridge.

The greatest moment of the day for me was once the front of the march had started to cross the Morrison Bridge I looked over at the Hawthorne Bridge (over 3/4 of a mile away) and could STILL see the march crossing (use the map above for reference). I have been to sporting events and concerts so it wasn’t the sheer size of the crowd but like I said above seeing that many people come together to march for something they all believe in was very moving. I saw rough estimates online that the crowd in Portland was over 15,000 people!!!

Hawthorne Bridge (from the Morrison Bridge).

After the Morrison Bridge the crowd took the offramp back to Naito Parkway and concluded the march. In conclusion, No Kings protest is reportedly the largest organized protest in the last 50 years (possibly ever) in the U.S.A.. I was very impressed with all parties involved, protesters, PPB and bystanders, this set a gold standard in my eyes for how peaceful protests should be led. I hope based on my telling of my experience who may have been on the fence will feel more inspired or less anxious to find a local march/protest to take part in!

Additional photos from No Kings Protest – Saturday, June 14th, 2025.

Without getting too ahead of myself I want to at least touch on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) facility and my initial experience since I did ride by on my way to and from the No Kings march. I was a little pressed for time and unable to stay as long as I wanted but I planned to return 4 days later (06/18/2025) for a separate protest which is where things got truly spicy and what I plan to write a separate article about soon.