Over 1,000 people gathered at the Bethlehem Rose Garden on Saturday for a “No Kings” rally and march organized by the Bethlehem City Democratic Committee and Indivisible Lehigh Valley-Bethlehem.
The event was one of more than 2,000 coordinated protests across the United States opposing what demonstrators described as President Donald Trump’s authoritarianism. It coincided with a military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and celebrating Trump’s birthday.
By the 3 p.m. start, hundreds of community members had arrived, many carrying flags and signs. Chants of “No kings, no crown, we the people won’t back down” echoed through the park, and passing cars honked in support.
The protest remained peaceful, with no violence reported.
Participants marched north on Broad Street toward Main Street — roughly half a mile — with some gathering outside the Bethlehem Area Public Library. Demonstrators lined both sidewalks of the Broad Street bridge.
Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds was among the speakers on the Rose Garden stage.
“You can’t force people to believe,” Reynolds said. “We have to show them the promise of America that is possible when we believe in compassion, dignity, and most of all love.”
The “No Kings” movement, backed by the 50501 coalition, includes more than 200 organizations such as MoveOn, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the American Federation of Teachers.
Saturday’s protest followed recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in South Bethlehem, where multiple individuals were detained earlier in the week. Several speakers referenced the raids, calling for community solidarity and protection of immigrant neighbors.
Organizers said “No Kings” efforts will continue with community-building events and voter mobilization initiatives.
