A massive wave of protesters swept through downtown Los Angeles on Saturday for the “No Kings” protest. Organized by 50501, the protest was one of thousands nationwide and was said to be one of the largest mobilized protests in American history.

Over 100,000 protesters covered the Gloria Molina Grand Park with upside-down American flags and signs condemning President Donald Trump’s America. The protest started at 2 p.m. with chanting and music, followed by speeches. After the rally, demonstrators marched through downtown, packing the streets from sidewalk to sidewalk. A band playing music on a truck and a giant baby Trump balloon followed the crowd. They marched from City Hall and returned to Grand Park, where the “No Kings” protest ended at 5:30 p.m.

Even though the protest was unpermitted, the police presence was light. An Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) helicopter hovered in the air for the majority of the protest. 

Leaders of 50501 SoCal made peacefulness and de-escalation a core part of this protest after the last “No Kings” protest in June was met with heavy police attention, where less-lethal munitions injured people. 

Organizers in pink shirts and yellow vests were marshals for the event. They helped maintain the crowd. They were equipped with whistles and walkie-talkie radios to coordinate de-escalation. 

“With 100,000 people the chance of there being a bad actor or a provocateur is high.” Alex, an organizer for 50501 SoCal who was helping with traffic and crowd control, said. “We’re trying to keep everyone moving as one.”

After the protest ended, scores of protesters from the “No Kings” crowd moved to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). The MDC has been a focus point of activists for holding people detained by ICE. LAPD blockaded the street with yellow tape as protesters stood across from them in the intersection.

Demonstrators stayed there late into the evening until the LAPD declared an unlawful assembly and cleared the area with less-lethal and horses.