Thousands expected at 'No Kings' protests in Utah as organizers emphasize safety

SALT LAKE CITY — Hundreds of thousands of Americans are expected to take to the streets nationwide this weekend as part of the “No Kings Protests,” including several large gatherings across Utah. A coalition of roughly 20 local groups is organizing events throughout the state, with the largest demonstration planned for downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday. Jamie Carter, logistics coordinator for the Utah coalition, said organizers have spent months preparing. “We have actually implemented a major safety and de‑escalation plan,” Carter explained. The groups expect between twenty and thirty thousand people in Salt Lake City alone — and there are gatherings happening everywhere. “There’s even a No Kings protest in a little town called Rockville, Utah.”  The renewed focus on safety comes nearly a year after a protest in Salt Lake City turned deadly. In June 2025, 43‑year‑old Matthew Scott Alder — a volunteer “peacekeeper” — shot and killed Afa Ah Loo while allegedly attempting to strike another protester, Arturo Gamboa, who was openly carrying a rifle. Gamboa was initially arrested but later released without charges. Alder now faces manslaughter charges, and Ah Loo’s family has filed a lawsuit against him and the event organizer, 5051. Carter said organizers learned hard lessons from that tragedy. “We prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” said Lt. Cody Lougy. All volunteers are required to sign contracts agreeing not to bring firearms. “Our goal is peace — and de‑escalation if needed,” said Carter.  Salt Lake City Police said they have been planning for the demonstrations for weeks. Lt. Cody Lougy emphasized that the department’s priority is safety for everyone involved. “We want our citizens safe, our protesters safe, and our businesses safe as well,” Lougy said. The city will implement road closures around the City‑County Building and along State Street up to the Utah State Capitol. Despite the heavy planning, Carter said the spirit of the event is meant to be uplifting. “The number one thing is a sense of community,” she said. There’s power in numbers. “We’re hoping tomorrow is actually going to be a fun, joyous day where people can come out and meet new friends or gather with friends they haven’t seen in a while.” Salt Lake Indivisible, one of the participating groups, has adopted the motto “action over anxiety,” a phrase Carter said captures the energy of the movement. Across the country, more than 3,000 No Kings Protests are scheduled for Saturday.

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