Hundreds Gather for “No Kings” Protest in Redding

Only two weeks after the last big local protest against the current United States federal administration, members of the Shasta County community gathered for a second time yesterday to speak out against the actions of President Donald Trump and his unofficial right-hand man Elon Musk.

On March 4, in front of Redding City Hall, a crowd of about 400 marched, chanted, sang, walked dogs, and held signs decrying the actions of Trump and Musk. Posters on display noted the definition of fascism, expressed concern that the President is engaging in a coup, and suggested that Trump should be fired.

Some protesters carried small blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flags, a show of solidarity with the war-torn country, whose leader was recently rebuffed by Trump in a meeting at the Oval Office. Others carried signs calling out Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who represents the North State.

The protest, titled “No Kings,” was held in solidarity with similar protests across the nation and was advertised by local organizers in a number of Shasta County social media groups. The event title is a nod to the democratic principle that no one, not even a sitting United States president, is above the law.  

Protesters mostly avoided engaging with a small but vocal group of counter-protesters who also turned up. Some, including former candidate for Shasta County Registrar Bob Holsinger have identified themselves as affiliated with the local chapter of a self-identified “militia”. Holsinger, who wore a security-style corded ear piece like several other counter-protesters, said he was attending the event to “keep everyone calm.” Asked how he and others would accomplish that, Holsinger said “just by being here”, before emphasizing “I don’t want to fight with anyone.”

The protest began at 5 pm. By 6:30 organizers began moving among the crowd requesting individuals to begin dispersing to ensure everyone’s safety as night fell. Most of the crowd left quietly, in small groups, shortly after.

Editor’s Note: Shasta Scout has placed the word “militia” in quotes because Shasta County’s local groups are unauthorized and therefore cannot legally organize as a militia under California law.

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