Thousands of protesters gathered at the steps of the Sacramento Capitol on March 28 to support the nationwide “No Kings” protest, a demonstration against the alleged authoritarianism and political overreach of Trump.
Among those protesters was Bill Bolton, who expressed his strong disagreement with the current conflict in the Middle East, “The [Iran] War is going to kill the most civilians, and it will be the most devastating to the world economy. … It will be devastating to our relationship with our allies.”
Bolton also felt “wonderful” attending the protest, saying that the community of people in attendance were respectful of one another.
Many speeches were given by local community leaders, who expressed disapproval against the U.S. involvement with the Middle East conflict, mourned those killed by ICE, and expressed a desire for “Leadership that will represent us”
Numerous signs held by protesters shared the same themes, such as those calling for full release of the Epstein files by the Department of Justice. Others expressed concern over the death of democracy, calling out themes of Fascism, and asking for “Compassion not chaos.” In addition to those holding the signs, other demonstrators in attendance assisted in handing out signs with the phrase “No ICE, no war, no kings.”
Many protesters sought refuge from the sun in the shade under the trees of the Capitol grounds, where they gathered and listened to the speeches occurring on the steps ahead of them, shouting encouragement and cheering.
A crowd of demonstrators gather for the “No Kings” protest at the Capitol building on Saturday, March. 28, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif.