Tri-Cities, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Residents from the Tri-Cities area, including Kingsport and Gate City, participated in nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests, advocating for accountability from leaders and addressing concerns over rising authoritarianism. The Kingsport rally attracted over 700 participants, showcasing strong community support for democratic values. With plans for future demonstrations, the movement emphasizes that it transcends political affiliations and highlights issues like gerrymandering and civil rights.
Tri-Cities Residents Join Nationwide “No Kings” Protests Against Authoritarianism and Demand Accountability
Residents from the Tri-Cities area, including Kingsport, Gate City, and Bristol, participated in nationwide “No Kings” protests aimed at demanding accountability from leaders and addressing concerns over perceived growing authoritarianism. The Kingsport rally drew over 700 attendees despite only 125 prior sign-ups, indicating significant community interest and unity.
Gate City, Virginia, also hosted its first protest of this kind, further expanding the reach of the movement in the Tri-Cities. Organizers emphasized that these protests are inclusive and not limited to any political affiliation, as stated by Lynn Manweiler from Take Action Southwest Virginia, who noted that the movement transcends party lines and is about American values.
Participants cited various reasons for their activism, including a perceived threat from government actions against citizens, a desire to highlight issues like gerrymandering, and the need for greater accountability from elected officials. One protester, who had recently been released from the hospital, voiced concerns over the government’s treatment of its citizens. Younger attendees echoed similar sentiments, stating their commitment to civic action as a means of addressing failures in democracy.
The nationwide protests saw participation in over 3,000 locations, with plans for more demonstrations scheduled. On October 18, the next “No Kings” protest will take place, featuring over 2,500 protests planned across the country. The theme for the next protests revolves around the phrase “Power belongs to the people,” as organizers seek to address issues such as the Trump administration’s policies perceived to silence voters and offer economic advantages to billionaires.
The Tri-Cities demonstration was held at Columbia Center Boulevard in Kennewick from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with nonviolent action at the forefront of the organizers’ agenda. Participants were urged to leave weapons at home and avoid escalating confrontations. Protests were accompanied by a collection effort for winter gear donations to assist the local community, emphasizing the importance of mutual support as part of building a strong democracy.
While the protests were largely peaceful, counter-protests in Bristol featured supporters of President Trump sharing differing opinions, although they were outnumbered. Kennewick police were on hand to monitor the events and are currently investigating reports of a truck allegedly pointing a gun at the protesters during the event, reviewing traffic camera footage for more details.
Key Features of the “No Kings” Protests
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Locations | Tri-Cities area (Kingsport, Gate City, Bristol), Nationwide |
| Attendance | Over 700 in Kingsport, with only 125 initial sign-ups |
| Protest Theme | “Power belongs to the people” |
| Number of Nationwide Protests | Over 3,000 |
| Next Nationwide Protest Date | October 18 |
| Counter-Protests | Occurred in Bristol, featuring pro-Trump supporters |
| Police Involvement | Monitoring protests and investigating threats |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the “No Kings” protests about?
The protests were aimed at demanding accountability from leaders and addressing concerns over perceived growing authoritarianism.
What was the attendance like in Kingsport’s protest?
The Kingsport rally exceeded expectations, attracting over 700 attendees with only 125 prior sign-ups.
Where else did protests take place?
Gate City, Virginia, hosted its first protest of this kind.
Is the “No Kings” movement politically affiliated?
The protests transcend political parties and are framed as a unified call for accountability and democracy.
What is the theme for the next nationwide “No Kings” protest?
The national theme for the October 18 protests is “Power belongs to the people.”
How many protests were planned for October 18?
Over 2,500 protests were planned across the country.
What community efforts were involved in the protests?
Indivisible Tri-Cities collected donations for winter gear to help the local community, demonstrating a commitment to caring for one another.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tri-Cities Community Unites for ‘No Kings’ Protests
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Bristol City Council Proposes Education Department for Schools
Nationwide Protests Honoring the Legacy of John Lewis
Bristol Tire Recycling Facility Fire Investigated
Protests and Police Clashes Erupt in L.A. Over Immigration Enforcement
No Kings Day Protest in Kingsport Highlights Democratic Values
Additional Resources
- KSNB Local 4
- Wikipedia: No Kings Protest
- NBC Right Now
- Google Search: No Kings Protest
- WCYB
- Google Scholar: No Kings Protest
- Apple Valley News Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: No Kings Protest
- KEPR TV
- Google News: No Kings Protest
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
