The national “No Kings” movement came to Minneapolis on Saturday, with a reported 100,000 marchers descending on downtown in a protest that remained peaceful throughout the afternoon. Many attendees wore full-body character costumes to add a light-hearted air to the day in an act that the Washington Post reported was a way to thwart Republican narratives. Chants of unity and resistance rang throughout the streets of downtown, while somber expressions were countered by dance parties and humorous signs. Photojournalist Ellen Schmidt was there to document the day.
Marchers pass the Voya Building during the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. Organizers estimated that more than 100,000 people attended the march through downtown. When the leading truck reached the end of the protest route, the street was still full of protesters at the starting point who had not yet begun to march. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaAt left, a woman wears a plastic crown, while at right, marchers stand at the starting point for the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. “No Kings” organizers reported that 2,700 events happened nationwide with more than 7 million participants. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaSt. Paul resident Cristina Chavez, center, who is surrounded by her family, attends the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. “I’m attending because of immigration issues, LGBT issues and just overall lack of support for the [Trump] administration,” she said. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaAt left, a child points to a protester in a dinosaur costume while at right, a child talks through a megaphone during the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaThe sun shines through trees over attendees of the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaMarchers don costumes at left while Hazel Madison, 8, right, holds a sign in support of Gaza during the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaA marcher blows bubbles while walking among thousands during the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaA left, a protestor holds a hand-drawn sign while at right, a marcher wears a beaked mask during the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. Many protesters wore yellow, a show of unity and color worn throughout history as a symbol of resistance to authoritarian regimes. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaProtesters in The Handmaid’s Tale costumers march while a Black Lives Matter flag flies behind them during the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaProtesters chant slogans denouncing the Trump administration at right, while a person holding an American flag is silhouetted during the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaMinnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, center, marches among thousands during the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. Ellison’s office has sued the Trump administration numerous times alongside Democratic attorneys general across the country attempting to thwart some of the Trump administration’s policies. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaA dog wears Pride colors at left while a protester photographs their surroundings at right during the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaA parents rides a cargo bike past the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaAt left, a couple embraces while at right, a protester rests at Boludo during the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for AmericaAttendees of the “No Kings” protest rest in The Commons park after making way through downtown Minneapolis on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. The protest remained peaceful throughout the afternoon. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for America
