SPRINGFIELD — Dozens of protests have been scheduled throughout the country and Illinois, including one in Springfield on June 14, which is the same day that a massive military parade will step off in Washington D.C.
The parade coincides with both the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and also President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Protests are partly being organized in response to the estimated $40 million price tag on the parade, USA Today reported.
Here’s what’s happening in Springfield.
Where and when is the protest?
The protest in Springfield is scheduled to take place at the capitol from noon to 3 p.m.
Where are other protests in Illinois?
Events without addresses have private locations, and more details can be found after signing up on the No Kings website.
What are the “No Kings” protests?
On the About page of their website, organizers cite June 14 as one that Pres. Trump “wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else.”
Also on their site, they share that a core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action.
“We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events,” one of the descriptions read.
Is this protest related to others that happened previously?
A grass roots movement labeled the 50501 Movement was responsible for multiple protests in Springfield since the president took office.
Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: No Kings protest scheduled for this weekend in Springfield. What you need to know
Reporting by Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal- Register / State Journal-Register
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