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.
What should I bring to a ‘No Kings’ protest in New York?
Experts at Physicians for Human Rights suggest bringing the following:
Many organizations advise protesters to leave their phones at home to protect their privacy, as they can easily be tracked. If you must take your phone, keep it turned off until you need it, and before you go, disable Face ID or fingerprint security and stick with the 6-digit passcode instead. You may also consider buying a cheap secondary phone to use.
Also, if you bring a phone, bring a backup power source if possible, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Other suggestions the LGBTQ+ civil rights organization has for what to bring to a protest are:
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/.
‘No Kings’ protest near me this weekend: See NY locations
There are protests planned in over 1,500 cities across the country, including more than 90 events in New York state, according to a map on the No Kings website. Here’s where No Kings protests are planned in the Finger Lakes and Lower Hudson Valley regions.
Contributing: USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Protesting in NY on June 14? Here’s what to bring to a ‘No Kings’ rally
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
