Thousands peacefully gathered at San Diego Civic Center and Waterfront Park, joining "No Kings" events across the region and the U.S.

About 60,000 people took to the streets of downtown San Diego on Saturday for what organizers are calling "No Kings" Day, a nationwide protest of President Donald Trump's policies.

Hundreds of people gather for the ‘No Kings’ anti-Trump protest and march, one of thousands across the nation, at Grape Day Park in Escondido on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)

For Deb McLean, the No Kings turn-out in Mira Mesa, a community of about 80,000 residents, was a reason for optimism.

“Our country is a republic. Our country has no kings and judging from the policies and the actions coming out of the White House and from the President, that does not actually tell us that he's acting as a king, and people are just tired of it, and they wanted to speak out,” No Kings Carlsbad Protest Organizer, Kathy Minton said.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred during a “No Kings” protest Saturday night near 200 S. State Street, and officials are urging people to disperse the demonstration in an orderly fashion.