Westport Area Demonstrators Joins Millions Nationwide In “No Kings” Protest
In more than 2,000 cities and towns all across America, people flocked to the "No Kings" protest rallies on Saturday to express their displeasure with the current administration's policies. According to multiple news outlets, more than five million attended sites nationwide, most of which had registered with NoKings.org. In CT, local reporting stated that there were at least 30 protests which were very well attended, as evidence by our coverage of the Westport event held as almost all protests are, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial bridge in downtown Westport.
Viewer Advisory Notice: Some of the signs shown in the photos posted as part of this article contain strong language and obscenities some viewers may find objectionable.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Estimates of the crowd size in Westport's event vary from 1,500 to 2,000, and similarly, estimates in CT's other cities such as Hartford ranged from 7,000 to between 8,000 and 10,000 according to CT Capitol police. Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz spoke at the Hartford rally as did Congressman John Larson (District 1, Democrat) and U.S Senator Richard Blumenthal who has appeared multiple times in Westport for protests such as this.
No matter whether you agree with the positions expressed by the protestors it is impossible not to take note of the creativity and cleverness required to come up with hundreds of different signs, banners and slogans and the time it took many to create fairly complex artwork with some being two-sided to make more than one point. Montages with artwork found on the internet combined with hand written slogans and hand drawn illustrations were reflective of much consideration and quite a bit of time.
Some were quite humorous in fact as the biblical reference in the row above (top, left) carefully superimposed over a scene from a Groucho Marx (boomer reference) movie demonstrates. The warning from the menopausal suburban women who are clearly riled up was proudly raised high for all to see. There were a few signs with a similar message, however what was striking was there was not very much duplication. Not everyone was able to walk to demonstrate and relied on mobility assistance.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Estimates of the crowd size in Westport's event vary from 1,500 to 2,000, and similarly, estimates in CT's other cities such as Hartford ranged from 7,000 to between 8,000 and 10,000 according to CT Capitol police. Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz spoke at the Hartford rally as did Congressman John Larson (District 1, Democrat) and U.S Senator Richard Blumenthal who has appeared multiple times in Westport for protests such as this.
The one dominating image from the crowd was the American flag. They were ubiquitous and while most were displayed normally, a few were postponed upside-down which the U.S. Flag Code describes as " ...a signal of dire distress in instance of extreme danger to life or property.” It has since become a common symbol of the groups opposing the current administration's actions across a broad spectrum of issues.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In addition to the crowds lining the Post Rd. from the west end of the bridge to the corner of Main St., many cars which passed by the demonstrators were showing their support, by holding signs similar to those created by those on the street, waving flags, and giving "thumbs-up" or raised fist signs of approval. The constant blaring of car horns in response to the "Honk if you love Democracy" signs and the like, was deafening, with some cars turning around and passing the crowds a second time.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport PD, in anticipation of the very large crowd provided barriers to insure the safety of those lining the Post road as well as others separating the lines of traffic. Police patrol vehicles were positioned in multiple locations, both in clear view as well as less so, but still nearby. Westport PD command staff including the new chief of Police, David Farrell (above, top row left) kept a watchful eye on the proceedings.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The protests in CT were peaceful, however in Utah an innocent bystander, a father of two was shot and killed by a man claiming to be a peacekeeper who had aimed at a different man holding a rifle (ABC 7 Chicago).
Also four Minnesota state officials and their spouses were shot, two fatally by a man posing as a police officer was was arrested two days later after a massive manhunt.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
While many of the vehicles passing through the demonstration were pretty standard, one enthusiastic moped operator was a few car lengths in front of one of the world’s finest automobiles, a Bentley convertible. While new Bentleys start at over $220,000, they can run as high as nearly $400,000. A 2008 Bentley is actually somewhat affordable at $45,000. Not germaine to this post, however an interesting bit of trivia.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Some protestors looked o change their position, perhaps to speak the those on the southern side of the bridge. At one point a person with a bullhorn began a chant which was then joined in by those across he street led by their own bullhorn leader.
There were a couple of pro-Trump appearances at the event. The boat which passed under the Ruth Steinkraus Memorial Bridge (above, right) proudly flew two Trump flags along with the American flag. We have no idea if the pass-by was related to the protest, or just a leisurely Saturday afternoon boat ride. We asked protestors if they had gotten any comments in support of the administration. One group we queried said that occupants of a passing car hurled some F-bombs at the crowd, but for some reason, they covered their faces.
As we were leaving we spotted a black pick-up truck flying a large American flag which many of the protestors had also flown. When attempting to photograph the truck, the operator covered his face, demanding we not photograph him, and provided several F-bombs and asserted that we were faggots. First amendment protections apply to their speech as well as that of the protestors. The difference was the content of the speech from the two sides.
Staples LAX Defeats Darien 7-6 For CIAC State Championship
In an epic match-up of two powerhouse programs at Fairfield University's Rafferty Stadium Saturday, the Wreckers fight a fierce battle, holding off a four-straight goal comeback attempt by the Blue Wave to take home the class LL (large school) trophy.
Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.
The Wreckers knew what had to be done, having brought home two titles in the last three years, and they did just what they needed to do. The thrilling final quarter saw Darien tie the score at 6-6 but the Wreckers scored their seventh goal and held on to the lead to the final moments. Congrats to head coach Will Koshansky, his superb staff, and the Staples Wreckers on their 3rd state title in four years!
Check WestportLocalPress on Monday for more photos of the match and the celebration.
Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.
Nationwide Protests Continue With Millions Expected For "No Kings Day" Saturday: Thousands Expected In Westport, Stamford And Beyond
Protest rallies have been taking place all across America in response to a variety of controversial actions being taken by the current administration. Los Angeles has become the focal point due to the "mass deportation" efforts being executed by not only ICE and CPB (Customs & Border Patrol). They will soon be joined by a number of United States Marines to assist. The number varies from day to day. Reporting on those protests presents conflicting information as is typical at this point in time.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com.
Above is the scene from the April 5th “Hands Off” Rally which took place in downtown Westport. A similar crowd is expected on Saturday.
Photo by J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.
The so called "No Kings Day" rallies will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025. As of the time of this post, more than 2,000 rallies have been created. They include not only Westport, but Stamford, Bridgeport, Trumbull, Newtown, Danbury, Brookfield, New Milford, Southbury, Waterbury and many other CT locations.
This event will coincide with a highly controversial military style parade in Washington purportedly to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, but which happens to fall on the president's birthday which has lead to much discussion as it is projected to cost anywhere from $40 million to $50 million or more, depending on the particular news source's reporting.
Another scene from the April 5th rally, J.C. Martin photo.
The Westport event is projected by the organizer to be as large as any held so far based on the more than 400 registered attendees as of Tuesday, June 10. A similar number for the previous "Hands Off" rally held on April 5th (Westport Local: Hands Off Protest) which resulted in 1500 or more. Traffic in downtown Westport will be very heavy as people begin to arrive for the 11:00 AM rally start time, and will continue at least until the 1:00 PM scheduled end time. Also, the Yankee Doodle Fair begins at 1:00 PM as well. Expect delays and plan accordingly!
WESTPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE, WEDNESDAY APRIL 11, 2025
Westport Police were notified of a planned protest that will take place on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge (Route 1) on June 14, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Organizers have alerted the Westport Police that several hundred people have signed up for the protest, but since this is a national protest, they are anticipating attendance to exceed 1000 people. Additionally, the Yankee Doodle Fair will start at 1:00 pm on the same day. Westport Police are advising the public that there will be heavy traffic congestion with possible road closures in the downtown corridor. We encourage motorists to find alternate routes. Westport Police will have a significant presence in the area to assist with both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. If you choose to drive through downtown Westport, please be patient and alert to the increased pedestrian traffic.
Above is a map from the NoKIngs.org website showing all the locations of rallies organized for Saturday, June 14, 2025. The most updated interactive map can be found at: NoKIngsMap.
Statement from NoKings.org:: On June 14, millions in more than 2,000 cities and towns will join the No Kings mobilization to reject authoritarian overreach, defend democracy, and stand up for their communities.
Philadelphia, PA — This Saturday, June 14, millions of people in more than 2,000 cities and towns across the country will take part in No Kings, a national day of peaceful mobilization to defend democracy, reject authoritarian overreach, and stand up for their communities. The protests come in response to President Trump’s escalating use of military force in American cities and a federal agenda that would strip health care from 16 million people while expanding ICE raids targeting immigrants and protestors.
Two things remain true in this country: we have no kings, and no president can stop people from peacefully speaking out. On Saturday, millions across the nation will come together to make that message clear. Polling released last week by Common Defense shows 70% of veterans oppose the military parade and VA staffing cuts, underscoring a growing divide between Trump’s rhetoric and reality.
For a full list of participating cities, event details, and spokespeople available for interviews, visit www.NoKings.org or contact media@nokings.org.
All No Kings events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working closely with local partners to ensure peaceful and powerful actions nationwide.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com.
Westport FD Douses Late Morning Dumpster Fire On Hales Court
April 12, Westport Fire Department Press Release:
Photos courtesy of the Westport Fire Department.
Westport firefighters were dispatched to a report of a dumpster fire approximately 8’ from a structure. The initial dispatch was for Engine 4 and Engine 5 and the Shift Commander.
E5 arrived and reported a well involved dumpster fire exposing the nearby residential dwelling. Two additional Engines and the Truck company were added to the assignment. E5 established a water supply and deployed a 1 3⁄4” handline, cooling the exposed residential unit and extinguished the fire. E4’s crew assisted in fire attack and checked the interior of the structure for fire extension. Additional arriving crews assisted with overhaul.
The fire was recalled seven minutes after the fire department’s arrival. The first arriving companies’ quick initial actions and extinguishment kept the fire from spreading to the structure, limiting damage.
The Westport Fire Marshal’s office responded and is investigating. WEMS, WPD, and Westport Housing responded to the scene. No occupants were displaced and there were no reported injuries. The last fire department unit cleared at 12:25 PM.