‘No Kings’ rallies pack the streets of western Mass. in protest of Trump administration

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Saturday was a day of defiance throughout the nation, as about 2,000 ‘No Kings Day’ rallies took place from New England to the west coast — including here in western Mass., where crowds gathered to protest the state of the government.

“I’m very devastated by the current administration,” protestor Rosemary Karparis told us.

While gatherings were set up across 11 locations in the Pioneer Valley, we were on-scene in downtown Springfield, as the roads surrounding City Hall turned into a sea of signs and supporters, both directly calling for action.

In the center of the chaos, organizer Beth Lev explained why she felt such a massive standout was necessary.

“He’s flouting the law, which is one of the reasons we’re calling this ‘no kings,’ because he seems to be acting as if he has unlimited power, that there are no checks and balances from the other two branches of government, the legislative and judicial branches,” Lev explained.

Simply put -- these protesters at home and abroad feel like the trump administration has been overstepping their boundaries.

“In a democracy, the people have the power, there are no kings,” Lev emphasized.

While a large turnout was expected for the event, with shuttles even carrying passengers from Hampshire County into the City of Firsts, Lev says this outpouring of support was still unexpected.

“We did not expect it to be this big, especially with so many other rallies, including in Hampshire County, so we’re thrilled,” she shared.

No matter the size, it’s important to note that all of the protests here in western Mass remained peaceful until their conclusions, with no arrests or injuries reported at this time.