Youngkin says authorities ‘prepared to keep the peace' amid weekend's ‘No Kings' protests
Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Friday state law enforcement is 'working closely with local and federal partners and is prepared to keep the peace' ahead of protests on Saturday.
'Virginians have a sacred right to free speech and peaceful assembly, but I also want to be very clear: there will be absolutely zero toleration for the destruction of property, looting, vandalism or violence of any kind,' Youngkin said in a statement posted to social media. 'Disrupting traffic or distracting drivers is not only unacceptable, but also dangerous.'
The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press has asked Youngkin's office multiple times since Wednesday whether or not he was considering deployment of the National Guard in Virginia. As noon Friday, when the post was made, his office had not responded.
Thousands to rally in Hampton Roads as part of 'No Kings' protests
What to know about 'No Kings' protests against Trump's policies on Saturday
Youngkin's social media post concluded: 'Let me be very clear: if you break the law, you will be arrested.'
More than 2,000 protests are planned in cities across the country this weekend as part of the 'No Kings' movement to push back against Trump administration policies. The protests coincide with a large-scale military parade taking place in Washington, D.C. on Saturday for the Army's 250th anniversary — which coincides with President Donald Trump's birthday.
Protests are planned in five Hampton Roads locations Saturday, and thousands of people are collectively expected to attend.
At an event earlier this week, Youngkin said he 'fully supports' Trump's recent moves to send troops to Los Angeles, according to reporting from WTVR-TV in Richmond. The president deployed marines and National Guard to the city after protests began against recent raids and detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
'We can't have cars being burned overnight and people rioting in the streets, tearing down not just business infrastructure and people's personal property, but threatening federal facilities as well,' Youngkin said at the Tuesday event. 'He said during his campaign that he was not going to allow our cities to be destroyed, and I think this is an appropriate step.'
Members of the National Guard have been deployed in Texas and California. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has deployed the Texas National Guard to San Antonio in anticipation of protests against ICE.
The planned No Kings demonstrations are not a direct response to the weekend's immigration enforcement action, rather a broader pushback against what organizers call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. In Hampton Roads, local organizers say they will adhere to peaceful protesting. Organizers have taken de-escalation seminars ahead of protests, and many locations are working with local law enforcement for planning purposes.
Kate Seltzer, kate.seltzer@virginiamedia.com
Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Here's where 'No Kings' protests are happening around Indiana today
"No Kings" protests will be happening across Indiana on Saturday, June 14. It's the same day a massive military parade is set to take to the streets of Washington in an elaborate showcase of troops, tanks, weapons and aircraft. The parade, estimated to cost $40 million, coincides with both the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. In response to the extravagantly costly display, a mobilization of "No Kings" protests have been organized nationwide. Here's what you should know. The protest organizer's website describes "No Kings" as a "nationwide day of defiance" in response to Trump and the military parade, saying, "we're taking action to reject authoritarianism." With an emphasis on nonviolent activism, the website outlines the movement's broad appeal, "from city blocks to small towns," and makes a promise to battle Trump's "ego" in a fight for democracy. "On June 14th, we're showing up everywhere he isn't – to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings," the website reads. Downtown protests: Up to 1,000 protest ICE outside Pacers-Thunder finals game in Indianapolis Story continues after photo gallery. There are over 30 protests planned across the state of Indiana; only a few of them are listed below. Visit the website to find the closest one to you. The times of June 14 protests scheduled in Indiana can be found below. Exact locations and further details can be found after signing up on the "No Kings" website. Indianapolis: Noon-3 p.m. ET Albion: Noon-1 p.m. ET Angola: 10-11 a.m. ET Auburn: 1:30-2:30 p.m. ET Bedford: Noon-2 p.m. ET Bloomington: Noon-3 p.m. ET Brookville: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET Columbus: 1-4 p.m. ET Connersville: Noon-3 p.m. ET Corydon: Noon-2 p.m. ET Crown Point: Noon-2 p.m. CT Decatur: 1-2 p.m. ET Evansville: 1-3 p.m. CT Fort Wayne: 2-5 p.m. ET Kentland: Noon-2 p.m. CT Knox: Noon-2 p.m. Kokomo: Noon-1 p.m. ET Lafayette: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. ET Lagrange: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET Liberty: 1-3 p.m. ET Logansport: Noon-1 p.m. ET Madison: 10 a.m.-noon ET Michigan City: Noon-2 p.m. CT Muncie: 10-11:30 a.m. ET Nashville: Noon-2 p.m. ET New Albany: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ET Richmond: 12:30-2:30 p.m. ET Salem: Noon-2 p.m. ET South Bend: 1-3 p.m. ET Terre Haute: 10 a.m.-noon ET Vincennes: 2-4 p.m. ET Wabash: Noon-2 p.m. ET Warsaw: 2:30-6:30 p.m. ET Kathryn Palmer, Cybele Mayes-Osterman, and Tom Vanden Brook contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Where are No Kings protests in Indiana? Find one near you
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
No Kings protest: Philly police, organizers plan security ahead of rally
The Brief The No Kings protest starts at noon at Love Park before heading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. Participants are protesting Trump administration policies. Philadelphia police say they will be safeguarding public safety as with all demonstrations. CENTER CITY - Saturday tens of thousands are expected to turn out in Philadelphia, which is holding the so-called flagship No Kings demonstration against Donald Trump administration policies. What we know The No Kings protest will organize at Love Park at noon. They will have banners, speakers and supporters lining up to begin marching around 12:15 and will head to the Philly art museum for the main event. They are protesting policies by the Trump administration. What they're saying "It should be very peaceful. Non-violent," said Vicki Miller. The city is preparing for a big day Saturday when massive crowds are expected in the city for the No Kings protest. "We've given people a lot of peacekeeper training and information so that if there's some kind of nonsense they know what to do and we expect that that's going to be just fine," said Miller who is with the group Indivisible Philadelphia. It is the main organizer for the protest which is being held to take a stance against policies by the Trump administration. "So many people are showing up to say we don't have kings and he's not going to be a king and we are against what he is doing in Washington," said Miller. She says they will have 100 or so volunteer marshals who will be in charge of their safety. "They have had many, many professional training in peacekeeping and everything a marshal does. They will be wearing yellow vests. Bright yellow vests," she said. She expects up to 60,000 people to join them to march to the art museum for the main event. Big picture view Here's part of what Philadelphia Police said in a statement this week ahead of the events taking place: "As with all demonstrations, our priority is to facilitate peaceful protest, prevent violence or disorder, and protect the rights of all residents, businesses, and participants. we train our officers accordingly and deploy resources proportionate to the potential needs of the event." "If people show up and they are deliberately disruptive, we'll probably have to do something about that. Maybe the marshals will calm them down. We will have to see what we do. If people break the law I think they will probably have to answer to the police," said Miller. The protest is expected to end by 3:30. By the numbers Up to 60,000 people are expected to attend the No Kings protest in Philly. 2,000 similar protests will happen around the country. The Source Information for this article was provided by the Philadelphia Police Department and Indivisible Philadelphia.
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
A parade — of speakers — and a hint of rain at annual Hoyer bull roast, but no hints on his plans
Rep. Steny Hoyer thanks friends and fellow Democrats Friday at his 44th annual bull roast at Newton White Mansion in Prince George's County. A cake was brought out to celebrate his 86th birthday, which is June 14. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) For almost an hour, the speakers at Rep. Steny Hoyer's (D-5th) 44th annual bull roast took turns heaping praise on the long-serving Democrat and heaping scorn on President Donald Trump (R). When it finally came time for him to speak, Hoyer mostly followed that script. And then he danced. Despite humid temperatures and threatening skies, and the prospect of a military parade Saturday on what happens to be Trump's 79th birthday, the overall mood was light among the hundreds who turned out to honor the dean of Maryland's congressional delegation — who turns 86 Saturday on the birthday he shares with Trump. 'We're gathered here today before Donald Trump is spending millions and millions of dollars of taxpayer money to have a parade to feed his ego on Donald Trump's birthday,' said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md). 'I can tell you, I'm not going to be anywhere near President Trump tomorrow, but I am very proud to be here to celebrate the birthday of a great American who didn't choose to have his birthday the same day as Donald Trump,' Van Hollen said. Bashing Trump and praising Hoyer served as part of the main theme Friday at the bull roast at Newton White Mansion in Prince George's County. Lawmakers including Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-4th) and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D), all of whom took a turn at the microphone. Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-3rd) chastised the Trump administration one day after U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was forcibly removed by federal law enforcement officials at a press conference by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The secretary held it amid multiday protests in Los Angeles against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. 'The garbage that is being thrown at us [by the administration] where a group of goons threw a United States senator to the ground. It is unprecedented,' Elfreth said. 'What gives me calm on that House floor is, I can turn to Steny and sit down and say, 'This is just bulls— and what are we going to do about it?'' said Elfreth, who served long ago as an intern in Hoyer's office. 'And without a doubt, he has an answer.' One thing Hoyer didn't have the answer for Friday is whether he plans to seek a 24th term in Congress — a question that always seems to be lingering in the background of recent bull roasts. 'It'll be time for that,' Hoyer said in a brief interview after the bull roast celebration. Hoyer has been prominent in Maryland politics since before his tenure in Congress, winning a seat in the state Senate at age 27 and becoming its youngest president nine years lalter. He was elected to the House in 1981 to represent the district that currently includes portions of Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties and all three Southern Maryland counties. During that time he has risen to serve as No. 2 Democrat in the House. He has been credited with helping former President Joe Biden (D) get the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed and is seen as the quarterback behind an on-again, off-again push to relocate the aging FBI headquarters from Washington, D.C., to a site in Greenbelt in Prince George's County. After getting General Services Administration clearance for the Greenbelt site, the FBI effort has recently shifted to defense, after the Trump administration said it wants to relocate the FBI to Alabama. Hoyer has emerged as a leader of that fight Gov. Wes Moore (D) highlighted how Hoyer was instrumental in getting the Americans with Disabilities Act passed in 1990. 'The reason that I love Steny Hoyer is time and time again when it was hard, Steny stood up,' Moore said to an applause from some attendees. Even with all the accolades, Hoyer has at least one Democratic challenger for the 2026 primary election. Harry Jarin, 35, an emergency services consultant and volunteer firefighter who resides in Edgewater in Anne Arundel County, officially launched his candidacy for the seat May 29. 'We don't need more career politicians who can't really connect with voters and don't really understand what people go through on a daily basis just to live in this country,' Jarin said in an interview Friday afternoon. CONTACT US 'If we put someone like Steny Hoyer back up for office for a 24th term, we're sending a message to the rest of the country that we're all about the status quo and that Democrats aren't offering anything different,' he said. 'Voters made it very clear back in November that they want something different.' Jarin didn't shy away from the age differential between him and Hoyer, noting the death last month of Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), who was 75. Connolly was the third House Democrat to die in office this year. 'I don't think we should be reelecting people where we need to consult an actuary to determine whether or not they're going to survive another two-year term,' Jarin said. But for attendees at Friday's bull roast, there was no question about whether Hoyer deserves to remain in office. Prince George's County resident Henrietta Holiday recalled when she met Hoyer in 2002 at Joint Base Andrews. Holiday is an Air Force veteran. 'His relationships are genuine. When you're dealing with Steny Hoyer, you never feel like you're dealing with a politician,' Holiday said. 'I can see him running for another term. I would love to see him do what he loves for the rest of his life.' Most of the three-hour event was spent socializing between elected officials and friends, bottled water in hand on a humid day, and even some chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches for the fortunate ones. Minutes before the bull roast ended, Hoyer was presented a birthday cake. Then he decided to do a little dance. 'Ladies and gentlemen: Tomorrow, I want you to do something for me. When that parade comes on, you say, 'That parade for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army — and Steny Hoyer,'' he said. 'God bless you.'
