‘No Kings’ Rally in Prineville brings out frustration, fear for nation’s direction
(Update: adding more information about surrounding Central Oregon, Oregon, and nationwide rallies. Including response from the Trump Administration.)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A “No Kings” rally in Prineville brought out a few hundred people over the weekend, as part of a sweeping national protest movement that drew millions of Americans voicing frustration with the Trump administration.
The demonstration in Crook County reflected a wide range of concerns, from constitutional rights to political leadership and the direction of the country.
Nora Scott, a lifelong Republican and Crook County resident, said she felt compelled to attend because of growing dissatisfaction within her own party. “We’ve got to get them out of there. We’ve got to get them out,” Scott said. “I’m a lifelong Republican and this crime family has taken over the Republican Party.”
Other residents focused on what they see as deeper concerns about the foundation of government. Sharon Krause, also of Crook County, said she attended the rally because of her concerns about the U.S. Constitution, explaining, “I am here because I am not appreciating what Trump has done to our government. He is using the Constitution as toilet paper.”
Amy Stewart, another Crook County resident, described the emotional toll of the current political climate, saying, “Just the violation of our Constitution, destroying our democracy, trying to create tyranny, hurting people, killing people. That wounds me as an American.”
Krause also raised questions about transparency and foreign policy, adding, “Still want to know about the Epstein files. I do not like that unelected people are running the government. I do not want us in this war. I think it is uncalled for.”
Bend rally draws thousands, marches through downtown
While Prineville’s turnout reached the hundreds, the largest crowds in Central Oregon gathered in Bend.
Thousands of people filled Drake Park for music, speakers, and community organizing before marching to Peace Corner, flooding downtown streets during the afternoon protest. Demonstrators lined sidewalks and intersections, holding signs, chanting, and engaging with passing drivers as they shared their message.
The scale of the Bend rally mirrored, and in some cases exceeded, previous “No Kings” demonstrations in the city, signaling growing momentum behind the movement across the region.
Demonstrations spread across Central Oregon communities
Protests were widespread throughout Central Oregon.
In Redmond, organizers said around 1,000 people attended, filling park spaces with signs, flags and chants. Hundreds more gathered in Sisters, with additional demonstrations held in Prineville, La Pine and Madras.
Altogether, thousands participated across the region, highlighting strong turnout in both larger cities and smaller communities.
Oregon leaders join rallies in the Portland metro area
The demonstrations extended into the Willamette Valley, where state leaders joined protesters.
Governor Tina Kotek spoke outside the Portland Expo Center, telling the crowd, “We believe that no one is a king. Especially not here in Oregon and not in the United States of America. Am I right?” — drawing a strong response from those gathered.
In Gresham, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden joined demonstrators and emphasized that while he continues pushing back at the federal level, he believes meaningful change often begins with grassroots movements like those seen across Oregon.
Part of a nationwide protest movement
The rallies in Oregon were part of coordinated “No Kings” demonstrations held across the country over the weekend.
Millions of Americans protested a wide range of issues tied to the Trump administration, including its mass immigration program and the conflict in Iran. Economic concerns also played a role for some participants.
One protester said, “I think it’s incredibly good. You know, gas is almost six bucks at this point, and we got to have some people are going to stand up for the typical citizen.”
White House response
Despite the scale of the protests nationwide, the Trump administration said it is not concerned about the demonstrations and indicated the rallies will not affect its policy direction.
