CANTON – Hundreds of No Kings protesters gathered downtown Saturday afternoon, holding homemade signs, waving American flags and chanting.
March 28 marked the third wave of No Kings protests since President Donald Trump took office in 2025. More than 3,100 No Kings events were planned throughout the nation.
The round of protests was anticipated to be the largest yet, as critics gathered in opposition to the Trump administration, addressing a range of topics including immigration enforcement, LGBTQ rights and the war in Iran. Prior No King events were held in October 2025 and June 2025.
Residents protest, express concerns
At Stadium Park, along 12th Street NW, crowds gathered for a peace march at 2 p.m. Protesters marched over a mile from the park to Central Plaza in downtown. Passing cars honked as the crowd filled the sidewalks.
Among them was Bill Walker of Massillon, who believes Trump is “destroying the country.” Part of his concern is international conflict and immigration enforcement issues.
“We have a chance to make a turning point,” Walker, 76, said. “I hope that we can keep this momentum up.”
Vicki Boatright, a volunteer peace marshal for the event, said she would be on standby to help guide demonstrations, with a goal of avoiding conflicts.
Braiden Storesina, 29, and his mother Lynnea Storesine, 52, of Canton expressed concern over the Trump administration’s recent decisions. Among those concerns, was the war in Iran.
“I don’t want to send my sons to war,” Lynnea said. “Who knows what they are going to do at this point?”
19-year-old Tessa Stokes of Barberton said she was feeling frustrated with the federal government and admired demonstrators who gathered in Stark County.
“I see it all on the news, and I’m tired of it,” she said. “I want to speak up in any way, shape or form that I can.”
Other Stark County events included a rally at Memorial Park in Alliance and a rally at Constitution Park in Louisville. Regionally, events were also planned for Akron, Lisbon, New Philadelphia and Wooster.
Includes reporting by USA TODAY.
Contact Abreanna Blose by email at ablose@usatodayco.com or by phone at 330-580-8513.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Hundreds of No Kings protesters rally in Canton
Reporting by Abreanna Blose, Canton Repository / The Repository
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