Protests have erupted across the country, including in New York City and throughout the rest of the state in recent weeks and months, as people opposed to actions by the Trump administration air their frustrations.
Demonstrations will continue this weekend as “No Kings” protests are planned in over 1,500 U.S. cities, including more than 90 in New York state.
Here’s what New York protest attendees should know ahead of the June 14 rallies.
Protesters’ rights: What New Yorkers can and can’t do during protests
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I Section 8 of the New York State Constitution protects freedom of speech, assembly, and petition. While not an exhaustive list, here are a few rules New York protestors must follow, according to the NYCLU:
If you are stopped by police while protesting, the ACLU provides additional guidance on what to do, such as not resisting arrest and your right to hire an attorney.
What to know about ‘No Kings’ protests
Over 90 “No Kings” protests are planned for Saturday, June 14, across New York state as millions across the country are expected to take part in a “nationwide day of defiance.” According to the No Kings website, the nationwide protest has been organized to “(reject) authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy.”
The protests are aligned with President Donald Trump’s June 14 military parade in Washington D.C., which is set to honor the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, organizers said. June 14 is also Flag Day and Trump’s 79th birthday.
But the protests are intended to be peaceful as a note at the bottom of the website states the No Kings events are “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,” the note continues. “Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.”
For more information and to see a map of locations of where protests will be held, visit nokings.org/.
Emily Barnes on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: ‘No Kings’ protests: What NY protesters can and can’t do legally
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
