TOPEKA (KSNT) – Thousands gathered at the Kansas Statehouse Saturday as part of the nationwide “No Kings 3.0” protest, joining what organizers estimate are millions of participants speaking out against what they describe as authoritarian overreach.
The demonstration at the Kansas State Capitol remained peaceful, with protesters emphasizing unity and the importance of protecting democracy.
Organizers with Kansas 50501 helped coordinate Topeka’s event, which they say is part of a broader national movement centered on the message that power in the United States belongs to the people.
“There are people who voted red. There are people who voted blue. There are people who voted independent. There are people who don’t vote, who are pissed off about what is going on, and this is a way to make your voice heard,” protester Erica Nicholson said.
Event coordinator Megan Miles, a law student, said the protest’s message is personal.
“We have a president who is ignoring the Constitution and ignoring the precedent of law that’s been set… for the last 200-plus years. It’s really scary as a future lawyer,” Miles told 27 News.
Protesters said that while participants came from different political and social backgrounds, they were united by a shared focus.
“There are a lot of different issues being brought up,” Nicholson said. “Some are cultural, some are class-related. And I’d say the biggest theme of this protest is pro-democracy, anti-fascism. We want the people’s voice to be heard.”
Nationwide, organizers estimated millions would take part in “No Kings 3.0,” with some saying it could become one of the largest coordinated protest efforts in U.S. history. In Topeka, participation appeared strong despite concerns about public visibility.
Miles noted fewer people publicly RSVP’d compared to last year, which she attributes to fear.
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“People are afraid… there’s not a ton of security that people feel, in terms of pushing back against the government,” Miles said.
While about 900 people signed up for last year’s rally, only around 300 RSVP’d this year. Even so, organizers estimate roughly 3,000 people showed up at the Capitol.
Nicholson said that kind of turnout sends a message to those in power.
“They should be scared… of the power we hold because when we organize, it could get really, really scary for the top 1%,” she said.
Miles, who has participated in protests internationally, said Topeka’s demonstration stood out because of its sense of community.
“Let’s come together and share the misery… but also celebrate that we’re all here together,” Miles said.
Both Miles and Nicholson pushed back on criticism that protests are ineffective, pointing to historic movements like the fight for women’s suffrage as proof that demonstrations can lead to lasting change.
Still, Nicholson emphasized that action beyond protesting is key.
“You also need to see it as a first step to organization,” Nicholson told 27 News, adding that voting remains one of the most important ways to create change.
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