Knoxville TN, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Knoxville prepares for the No Kings II protest on October 18, joining rallies across multiple locations to oppose the expansion of executive power under President Trump. The event aims to empower citizens and emphasize that America has no kings, with demonstrators expected to engage in speeches, marches, and display slogans advocating for civil rights and democracy.
Knoxville, Tennessee is preparing for the second national “No Kings” protest, organized by Indivisible Knoxville, set for Saturday, October 18. This event is part of a larger initiative aimed at opposing the expansion of executive power under President Donald Trump, and it is anticipated to attract larger crowds than the first event held four months ago.
The “No Kings II” rallies will occur in several locations, including Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Morristown, Sevierville, Crossville, Loudon, Kingston, and beyond. The protest’s slogan emphasizes that “America has no kings. The power belongs to the people,” reinforcing the theme of public empowerment and participation. Demonstrators of all ages are expected to participate, with plans for speeches, marches, and signs, in addition to waving American flags.
In Knoxville, participants will gather at the Veterans Memorial in World’s Fair Park at noon before marching to a significant intersection that includes Broadway, Henley Street, Western Avenue, and Summit Hill Drive. The first “No Kings” event, held on June 14, was marked by the participation of an estimated 5 million Americans across various protests nationwide. These protests stretched from large cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles to smaller communities across East Tennessee.
During the initial event, demonstrators showcased their messages through signage, flag waving, and some even flew flags upside down, signaling distress. The movement is coordinated under the umbrella of the 50501 Movement, which aspires to highlight unity with the motto “50 states, 50 protests, one movement.” So far, over 2,500 individual events have been registered across the United States related to the “No Kings” initiative.
The core issues addressed at these protests revolve around denouncing what participants see as authoritarian actions by Trump and his administration. Protesters have voiced their concerns regarding civil rights abuses, immigration policies, and the treatment of citizens within the country. Despite the underlying tensions, the protests are emphasized for their nonviolent nature, with participants urged to avoid weapons and to de-escalate any potential conflicts.
A notable incident that occurred during the June protests involved a counter-protester who brandished a rifle, which culminated in a shooting that tragically killed a demonstrator. In response to the potential for unrest, there has been a significant police presence during local protests, although the events have remained largely peaceful. Organizers of the “No Kings” movement assert that it is gaining momentum and stress the importance of demonstrating that power ultimately resides with the people.
In addition to the protests planned for East Tennessee, there are efforts underway for “No Kings” events to occur simultaneously on a global scale on the same day, suggesting an expanding movement that spans beyond U.S. borders.
FAQ
What is the date and reason for the ‘No Kings II’ protest in Knoxville?
The ‘No Kings II’ protest is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, and it is part of a larger national demonstration against the expansion of executive power under President Donald Trump.
Which locations will the ‘No Kings II’ rallies take place?
The ‘No Kings II’ rallies are set to take place in Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Morristown, Sevierville, Crossville, Loudon, Kingston, and beyond.
What was the estimated participation in the first ‘No Kings’ event?
The first ‘No Kings’ event, which occurred on June 14, saw an estimated 5 million Americans participating in various protests nationwide.
What are the main issues addressed by the protesters?
The protests focus on denouncing what are described as authoritarian actions of Trump and his administration, including civil rights abuses, immigration policies, and the treatment of citizens.
Key Features of the ‘No Kings II’ Protest
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 18 |
| Locations | Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Morristown, Sevierville, Crossville, Loudon, Kingston |
| First Event Participation | Estimated 5 million participants nationwide |
| Focus Issues | Authoritarian actions, civil rights abuses, immigration policies |
| Nature of Protests | Nonviolent, peaceful demonstration |
| Global Protests | Plans for worldwide demonstrations on the same day |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Man Arrested After Violent Confrontation in Knoxville
Michael Schill Resigns as President of Northwestern University
Knoxville Protest Honors John Lewis and Advocates for Civil Rights
Border Patrol’s Raid at Home Depot Sparks Community Outrage
Indictments in Knoxville Protest Case Raise Free Speech Concerns
Knox County Grand Jury Indicts Local Restaurateur Yassin Terou
Deputy in Critical Condition After Confrontation in Knoxville
Nationwide Protests Mark ‘No Kings’ Day Against Trump Policies
Culpeper Man Charged with Reckless Driving at Protest
Riot Breaks Out at ICE Facility in Portland During Protest
Additional Resources
- WBIR News
- WSMV News
- Commercial Appeal
- WATE News
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
