Around 200 people gathered at Patrick Henry Square in downtown Vincennes on Saturday for a peaceful “No Kings” protest aimed at voicing frustration with federal government leaders and policies.
The event drew participants from Knox County and surrounding areas and was one of several similar gatherings held across the state and country.
Marsha Fleming, chair of the Knox County Democratic Party, helped organize the local protest and said it was important for smaller communities to be part of the national conversation.
“Sometimes in rural areas, people don’t feel they have the same voice or opportunities they might have in larger cities to gather, to exercise their First Amendment rights, to basically just stand up and tell our government and leaders that they’re not happy with the way the country is moving in this time,” Fleming said.
Mary Beth Vaught of Washington, Indiana, attended the protest and said she was concerned about the direction of the country.
“I think that our country’s going in the wrong direction, and I think that we need to have a better place for our children and grandchildren,” Vaught said.
Several attendees took turns at the microphone to express their views on current issues. Organizers said the event remained peaceful throughout.
