Atlanta approves ‘No Kings’ march permit
Protesters taking part in the “No Kings” event in downtown Atlanta on Saturday have official city approval to march through the streets.
The update comes after back-and-forth between City Hall and organizers over the stalled permit allowing them to march. Some in the coalition of anti-Trump groups that make up “No Kings” said earlier this week they would proceed with unsanctioned marches regardless of city approval.
But city officials told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Thursday afternoon that the permit has been approved, allowing a march starting at the Atlanta Civic Center and ending at Liberty Plaza.
Zach Simmons, chair of grassroots group 50501 Georgia, which is leading the march, praised the city’s approval of the permit on the steps of the Georgia State Capitol during a Thursday news conference.
“This decision marks a powerful moment for democracy and for our city,” he said. “Proof that citizens and government can work together in good faith and that the First Amendment cannot just simply survive, but thrive.”
Organizers previously said they followed every requirement to hold a march but were still blocked by the city from proceeding.
Some speculated it had to do with the Trump administration ordering National Guard troops to states with large Democratic-led cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland.
But Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens administration said the permit decision wasn’t influenced by those moves and had nothing to do with politics, but with security logistics.
A spokesperson for the mayor’s office said after the permit’s approval that “any claim that the City of Atlanta has not or does not support this event is false.”
“The City has been working closely with the organizers of the ‘No Kings’ march to review and approve the necessary permits and to ensure a safe and successful event for all participants,” a city statement says.
The Dickens administrations said it supported the first “No Kings” march held in June and expects upcoming events this weekend to remain peaceful.
“We expect thousands to march in solidarity, and we are proud to continue Atlanta’s legacy of non-violent civic engagement,” Simmons said, adding that the conclusion of the march at Liberty Plaza will end all sanctioned events.
Organizers say they have EMS services, volunteer medics and trained marshals to help keep marchers safe.
It’s the second installment of nationwide protests against President Donald Trump.
About 10,000 people attended “No Kings” rallies across the city of Atlanta in June — a national protest against the Trump administration and its immigration enforcement policies. They drew together a broad mix of civil rights advocates, progressive organizers and Democratic-aligned groups hoping to channel anti-Trump energy into next year’s midterm elections.
The events happened on the same day as a military parade in Washington celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, which also coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday.
Around half of those protesters peacefully gathered at Liberty Plaza, across the street from the Georgia State Capitol. The city of Atlanta reported no arrests that day.
But one unaffiliated march in DeKalb County ended in clashes between protesters and police, when demonstrators attempted to walk down Chamblee Tucker Road toward I-285. They were met by a blockade of police in riot gear, who ultimately deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. At least eight people were arrested.
About the Author
Riley Bunch is a reporter on the local government team at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution covering Atlanta City Hall. She covers the mayor and Atlanta City Council while also keeping an eye on the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
