Phoenix ‘No Kings’ Rally Ignites Thousands of Peaceful Protesters Amid Sweltering Heat

Thousands gathered at the Arizona State Capitol on June 14 to protest President Donald Trump during the “No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance” rally. Despite the sweltering heat, attendees voiced their dissent against the administration.

Protestors filled Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza and spilled onto adjacent streets, brandishing anti-Trump signs and waving flags. Many drivers offered support, honking their horns and showing solidarity as they passed.

The Phoenix rally was among over 40 across the state and approximately 2,000 nationwide, coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday and a significant military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.

Initially expecting around 10,000 participants, organizers had to expand the stage and adapt plans to accommodate an estimated crowd of 20,000, according to Erica Connell, state liaison for 50501 Arizona.

The event featured speeches from activists and local lawmakers combined with performances by drag artists, inspiring cheers and chants. Nearly two dozen tents housed activist organizations promoting volunteer opportunities and community support, alongside bounce houses for kids.

Speakers included former state Senator Anna Hernandez and former lawmaker Raquel Terán, who co-hosted the event. Rep. Sarah Liguori, D-Phoenix, also made an appearance, emphasizing support for immigrants, the LGBTQ community, and voting rights.

Hernandez remarked on the surreal nature of being an elected official amid such vibrant activism. The speeches tackled immigration enforcement and advocated for fair elections and broader voting rights.

This rally followed nationwide demonstrations against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which had resulted in some confrontations in other cities. In response, Gov. Katie Hobbs and Arizona Department of Public Safety Director Jeffrey Glover urged participants to express their rights peacefully.

Overall, the event remained mostly peaceful, characterized by a lack of visible law enforcement presence. Some attendees did require medical assistance for heat-related issues, yet the rally’s tone was civil and resolute. “No National Guard, no Marines, no riots, no nothing,” noted Connell.