Thousands Rally in Connecticut for ‘No Kings’ Movement Amid Shutdown
UPDATE: Thousands are rallying in Hartford, Connecticut, today as part of the nationwide No Kings movement, which is sweeping across the United States amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. The movement, aimed at reaffirming democratic principles and rejecting what activists call authoritarianism, has mobilized over 2,600 rallies nationwide, with an estimated 10,000 participants gathered at the Connecticut State Capitol as of now.
The rally, taking place on October 7, 2023, is a significant demonstration against the political climate under the Trump administration. As the federal shutdown stretches into its third week, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed, the urgency of these protests has become even more pronounced. Attendees are donning yellow, the movement’s color signifying peaceful vigilance, and carrying signs emblazoned with messages like “We Love America — No Kings.”
Among the speakers, US Rep. John Larson highlighted Connecticut’s rich heritage of democracy, stating, “Since our beginning, we are a nation of laws. Government is through the consent of the people — not the rule of one man.” His remarks resonated with the crowd, emphasizing the importance of collective action and civic responsibility.
In a powerful address, US Sen. Richard Blumenthal declared the gathering “a lesson in democracy,” countering narratives that the rallies are anti-American. “We love America. We hate what Donald Trump is doing to America,” he stated, calling for unity against what he described as a threat to constitutional governance.
The rally remains peaceful, with no reported arrests or disturbances. However, one attendee did experience a medical emergency during Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz’s speech, prompting immediate assistance from on-site medics. Bysiewicz rallied attendees to support state-level initiatives, saying, “While Washington can’t get its act together, Connecticut has your back.” She urged participants to prepare for the upcoming early voting period starting October 9.
Prominent figures like Attorney Chris Mattei, known for his role in high-profile cases, and Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, also spoke passionately about civic duty and the historical fight against tyranny. Matos drew parallels between today’s political climate and the fight for independence, stating, “Here we are again, staring down tyranny.”
As the rally unfolds, reports indicate that similar gatherings are occurring statewide, with significant crowds also in New Haven, Meriden, Stamford, and beyond. In Stamford, approximately 6,000 attendees joined the movement, while Westport saw around 3,000 participants.
The No Kings movement continues to gain momentum, with nationwide estimates suggesting millions of participants across all 50 states. In Washington, D.C., crowds surpassed 200,000, while cities like Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles reported tens of thousands in attendance.
As public sentiment swells, the urgency of these protests reflects a growing demand for accountability and a rejection of what many see as a perilous drift toward authoritarianism. With early voting just days away, the message is clear: “We must show up and vote for the leaders who share our values.”
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops across Connecticut and the nation.
