a day ago
What's behind 'No Kings' protests ahead of planned Oklahoma events?
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — News 4 rarely previews rallies or protests, but a nationwide single-day protest called 'No Kings Day' set for Saturday has made it impossible to ignore.
The protests are set to take place in thousands of communities across the country on Saturday, including over a dozen events in Oklahoma. A protest in downtown Oklahoma City kicks off at 9 a.m. Organizers with Indivisible Oklahoma have committed to a non-violent event.
'We're not willing to jeopardize people's safety and security,' said Nina Lawrence, with Indivisible Oklahoma.
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The 'No Kings' protests, according to the event's website and Lawrence, take aim at President Donald Trump's administration. Organizers accuse the administration of defying courts, deporting Americans, attacking civil rights, and slashing federal services.
'It's come to a head with everything that's been rolling across, authoritarianism and really the change we are seeing, which is not the direction that we're wanting to see our government go.'
Lawrence said the protests were planned months ago. They intentionally coincide with a parade in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Army's 250th birthday, which also falls on President Trump's birthday.
The 'No Kings' website calls the parade a 'made-for-TV spectacle meant to look like strength.'
News 4 spoke with Oklahoma Freedom Caucus member and state Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland) Friday about the planned protests.
'I think Trump is taking back proper, lawful executive authority that has been usurped for generations by federal judges run amok as well as agencies run amok.'
Olsen also disputed the allegation from organizers that the parade is a spectacle to bolster the Trump administration's perceived strength.
'I would observe that if, for example, President Obama was in office at this time or if President Biden was in office at this time and they had a military parade, I don't think anybody would be real upset about it,' said Olsen.
Olsen said he does not dispute the right to peacefully protest, despite multiple warnings from Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt this week, including during national TV appearances, for protestors to be peaceful or face the consequences.
'I think it is appropriate to give this group going to protest tomorrow that warning, hey, exercise your free speech, but do it peacefully and lawfully,' said Olsen.
Lawrence said she hopes those who disagree with protestors' intent will still get the message.
'I would highly encourage that our elected officials stand behind us and hear what we have to say,' said Lawrence.
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