People crowded outside 3 Main Street, in front of the former police station, for Rock This Democracy's "No Kings" rally on Saturday, October 17.

Around 500 people, ranging from Newtown residents to others from surrounding towns and cities, gathered to exercise their right to assembly and free speech, according to event organizer Alex Villamil.

The Newtown rally was one of many No Kings protests held across the country last Saturday. No Kings is a series of national, decentralized protests that condemn President Donald Trump and his administration's policies and actions through mass nonviolent events. It is organized by a coalition of primarily liberal groups including the 50501 movement and the Indivisible movement.

On October 17, thousands of No Kings events took place across all 50 states and Washington D.C., according to the movement's Instagram page. Dozens of protests were held throughout Connecticut, including in cities such as Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford.

The goal behind these events was to encourage eligible voters to have a plan, know their options, and make their voice count in the upcoming elections; speakers also expressed concerns about threats to democracy, civil rights, and accountability.

Prior to last Saturday, three nationwide No Kings protests were held on June 14, 2025, October 18, 2025, and March 26, 2026.

Speakers at the Newtown rally included Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, Democratic State Senator candidate Rob Blanchard, Democratic State Representative candidate Michelle Embree Ku, and Rock This Democracy organizer Matt Crebbin, among others.

Each of the speakers encouraged everyone to vote, while also emphasizing voting rights such as same day registration; this was intentional as early voting began on Monday, October 19 and continues through Sunday, November 1.

After all of the speakers spoke to the crowd, everyone marched to the flagpole up the street.

CT Mirror content was used in the preparation of this story.

=====

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.