Boston, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Protests under the banner ‘No Kings’ are set to take place nationwide, with a significant event scheduled in Boston at Boston Common featuring Mayor Michelle Wu. Organizers from the 50501 Movement anticipate millions of participants, aiming to exceed the previous turnout of over 5 million. This mobilization comes amidst ongoing federal conflicts, including a government shutdown that has sparked outrage among various demographics, including government employees. Local and state authorities are preparing for the expected large crowds, ensuring safety and security during the demonstrations.
Boston
No Kings protests are scheduled across the U.S. on Saturday, particularly in Massachusetts. Millions of participants are expected to march in nationwide demonstrations. Organizers anticipate exceeding the previous turnout of over 5 million demonstrators from June’s “No Kings” day.
What is happening now
The Boston protest will occur on Boston Common from 12-3 p.m., featuring Mayor Michelle Wu as a speaker. Mayor Wu emphasized the importance of standing up for the city’s values and has been critical of President Trump. Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble affirmed they are aware of the protest and have a security plan in place to ensure a peaceful event.
Scope and turnout
Over 100 additional “No Kings” events are set to occur across Massachusetts. Major protests are also anticipated in Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon. Planned events target a range of federal policies and aim to mobilize participants at scale, with organizers projecting turnout that could surpass earlier nationwide demonstrations.
Organizers and messages
The “No Kings” protests are organized by the 50501 Movement, which advocates for democracy and criticizes Trump’s administration as authoritarian. The movement’s name symbolizes “50 states, 50 protests, one movement.” Organizers said they were angry but united and stressed the need to protect democracy, freedom, and dignity.
Federal and political context
Demonstrations take place amid a broader national conflict, with Congress at a standstill due to a government shutdown. The current protest movement responds particularly to the ongoing government shutdown effective from October 1st. President Trump ordered National Guard deployments to several states against local elected officials’ opposition, and Trump has threatened National Guard involvement and plans to move next year’s World Cup matches from Gillette Stadium due to the protests.
Immigration enforcement is being conducted aggressively, leading to clashes between agents and protesters. Republicans have attempted to label the protests as driven by dangerous hate groups, while the Democratic base is expressing dissatisfaction with party leadership. Past protests have condemned both Trump and former adviser Elon Musk, with protesters calling for Trump’s “dethronement.”
Labor and local participation
The American Federation of Government Employees encouraged its members to join the “No Kings” protests as urgency has increased due to federal employee layoffs and furloughs. Planned protests target various Trump administration policies, including immigration enforcement, gerrymandering, healthcare issues, and tax breaks for billionaires. In the Greater Boston area, multiple protests are planned in various locations, with specific times and addresses listed for participants.
Security and logistics
State and local authorities are coordinating security plans for expected large crowds. Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble affirmed they are aware of the protest and have a security plan in place to ensure a peaceful event. Organizers have outlined routes and assembly points and encouraged peaceful conduct and compliance with local rules.
Immediate implications
Organizers anticipate large turnout and widespread media attention. The convergence of nationwide mobilization, a concurrent government shutdown, and recent federal enforcement actions creates a high-profile environment likely to influence political discussions and policy responses in the coming days.
FAQ
Q: Where are the protests taking place?
A: No Kings protests are scheduled across the U.S. on Saturday, particularly in Massachusetts.
Q: How many people are expected to participate?
A: Millions of participants are expected to march in nationwide demonstrations.
Q: What is planned specifically in Boston?
A: The Boston protest will occur on Boston Common from 12-3 p.m., featuring Mayor Michelle Wu as a speaker.
Q: Who organized the protests?
A: The “No Kings” protests are organized by the 50501 Movement, which advocates for democracy and criticizes Trump’s administration as authoritarian.
Q: What is the movement’s name meant to represent?
A: The movement’s name symbolizes “50 states, 50 protests, one movement.”
Q: Are local authorities prepared?
A: Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble affirmed they are aware of the protest and have a security plan in place to ensure a peaceful event.
Q: Is there a historical turnout benchmark for organizers?
A: Organizers anticipate exceeding the previous turnout of over 5 million demonstrators from June’s “No Kings” day.
Q: What broader events are related to these demonstrations?
A: Demonstrations take place amid a broader national conflict, with Congress at a standstill due to a government shutdown.
Q: How have federal actions influenced the protests?
A: President Trump ordered National Guard deployments to several states against local elected officials’ opposition.
Q: What other developments are associated with the protests?
A: Trump has threatened National Guard involvement and plans to move next year’s World Cup matches from Gillette Stadium due to the protests.
Quick reference table
| Event | Scope | Location & Time | Organizer | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Kings protest (Boston) | State-level | The Boston protest will occur on Boston Common from 12-3 p.m., featuring Mayor Michelle Wu as a speaker. | 50501 Movement | Massachusetts State Police have a security plan in place to ensure a peaceful event. |
| No Kings protests (Nationwide) | Nationwide | Multiple protests across the U.S.; Major protests anticipated in Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon. | 50501 Movement | Federal and local authorities coordinating; National Guard deployments ordered in some states. |
| Additional Massachusetts events | State-level | Over 100 additional “No Kings” events are set to occur across Massachusetts. | Local organizers associated with 50501 Movement and allied groups | Local police and state police coordination |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- Patch Massachusetts
- Google Search: No Kings protests 2025
- WPRI
- Google Scholar: No Kings protests
- CBS News Boston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- MassLive
- Google News: No Kings protests October 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
