A wave of protest is rolling into Fort Wayne this weekend, and its message is loud but peaceful: America is not a monarchy.
The “No Kings” demonstration, set for Saturday afternoon outside the Allen County Courthouse, is part of a national campaign raising alarm about what organizers call creeping authoritarianism and institutional rot in U.S. politics.
A National Message With a Local Heart
It’s not just Washington, D.C. that’s under the microscope. Protesters here want their neighbors to pay attention to how power behaves — not just at the top, but everywhere.
Jim Carpenter, a familiar voice in progressive organizing circles in northeast Indiana, says Fort Wayne’s contribution to the nationwide protest isn’t about anger for anger’s sake. “We’re not here to cause disruption. We’re here to wake people up,” he says.
Carpenter, representing Indivisible Northeast Indiana, stressed that the rally is rooted in peaceful resistance. No shouting matches. No property damage. Just voices, signs, and conversations.
“It’s all about connection. This is about people finding each other and realizing they’re not alone,” he added.
Protest and Philanthropy Go Hand in Hand
This isn’t your average protest with only chants and placards. Attendees are also being asked to show up with something in hand — not for the protest itself, but for people in need.
The “Soap, Hope, and Dignity Drive” will collect hygiene products like:
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Soap bars
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Deodorant sticks
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Clean socks
All of it will go straight to three local food pantries in need. “Politics isn’t just speeches and marches,” Carpenter said. “It’s what you do for the people next door.”
That added touch, he hopes, will remind people that change starts small. Even a bar of soap can make a point — and a difference.
A Protest That Feels Like a Conversation
What makes this particular event different isn’t just its dual focus on action and aid. It’s the tone.
There’s no celebrity speaker. No fiery headliner. Just regular folks coming together because, frankly, they’re frustrated. And tired.
People are upset, Carpenter says, about “unchecked power, abuses of office, and the sense that government no longer listens.” But they’re also hopeful that community can still fix what politics has broken.
This isn’t about red hats or blue ties. It’s about accountability.
“There are people who voted different from me who are just as angry about this stuff,” said another organizer who asked not to be named. “That’s what makes this powerful.”
What They’re Really Protesting
So, what’s all the fuss about? The list isn’t short.
Across the country, “No Kings” demonstrators are protesting a range of issues that, for them, boil down to one thing: power hoarding at the top. Many point to what they see as executive overreach, court decisions that limit voting rights, and a general erosion of democratic norms.
According to Pew Research Center’s May 2025 poll, 68% of Americans believe the federal government cares more about preserving its own power than serving the public interest. That number jumps to 75% among voters under 40.
In Fort Wayne, that national anxiety feels close to home. “Every time I see a news alert, I think, ‘What are they taking away now?’” said one protester who plans to attend but declined to give their name for fear of online harassment.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the top concerns expressed by “No Kings” supporters:
| Issue | Common Grievances |
|---|---|
| Executive Power | Overuse of executive orders, emergency powers |
| Judicial Influence | Politicization of the courts |
| Voter Access | Laws seen as limiting turnout |
| Campaign Finance | Outsized role of corporate and PAC money |
| Civil Liberties | Concerns over surveillance and policing |
A Moment Bigger Than One City
This isn’t just Fort Wayne’s fight. Saturday’s protest will happen in more than 40 cities nationwide, from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon. Some rallies will draw hundreds. Others, maybe just a few dozen.
But the decentralized nature is the point. The movement isn’t trying to crown new leaders — it’s trying to remind people that they don’t need kings to govern a democracy.
“You don’t need a title to speak out,” Carpenter said. “You need courage, and maybe some soap and socks.”
Some of the national organizers have loosely coordinated on social media under the banner of “No Kings Day.” The hashtag #NoKingsDay2025 is expected to trend over the weekend.
Law Enforcement Watching, But Not Worried
So far, authorities in Fort Wayne are keeping a watchful but relaxed stance.
The Fort Wayne Police Department told local reporters they’re aware of the protest and have no reason to expect unrest. “We have not had any incidents with outside agitators or even agitators who are following the same cause,” Carpenter noted. “We don’t believe it’s going to be an issue at this event, either.”
That confidence is partly due to the organizers’ track record. Previous events run by this group have been orderly, respectful, and even — dare it be said — hopeful.
One officer, speaking on background, said, “It’s not like we’re prepping for a riot. This is Fort Wayne, not Capitol Hill.”
Not Just Protest Signs — Real People, Real Stakes
The faces showing up on Saturday won’t all be seasoned activists. Some will be new to civic action. Others might be there just to donate. A few may just wander by out of curiosity.
And that’s okay.
“This isn’t about preaching,” Carpenter said. “It’s about sharing. Maybe someone shows up thinking one thing and leaves thinking another. That’s the win.”
At a time when political discourse often feels like shouting across a canyon, the “No Kings” protest aims to offer something different. A gathering. A chance to listen. Maybe even a chance to be heard.
