From the Kentucky Lantern: ‘No Kings,’ say Kentuckians turning out for nationwide day of protest

Berry Craig

15 Jun, 2025

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Paducah protest, organized by Four Rivers Indivisible, attracted approximately 900 people, according to Four Rivers Co-leader Leslie McColgin. She said her organization expected crowd of 200 to 500. "Many participants indicated they intend to return for future protests and asked for more information on how to get involved," she said.

By LIAM NIEMEYER and JAMIE LUCKE

Thousands of Kentuckians turned out Saturday in cities large and small to warn that democracy is under threat from what they say is autocratic rule by President Donald Trump and his administration.

The demonstrations were part of “No Kings” protests across the nation on Flag Day and before a military parade in Washington, D.C., over which Trump was to preside on his 79th birthday.

In Louisville, crowds hoisting homemade signs gathered in front of city hall and marched through downtown as police blocked traffic. Andrew Schmidt, 46, who identified himself as an Army veteran and retired police officer from Vine Grove, wore his field uniform and carried a U.S. flag. He said he loves the flag and was holding it upside down to express his conviction that the country is in distress.