Protesters assemble for a march around downtown Denver for “No Kings Day” on March 28, 2026. (Avery Clifton/CU Independent)
Approximately 10,000 protesters gathered at the Colorado State Capitol for the third “No Kings Day” on Saturday. The demonstration was one of over 3,000 events nation-wide, protesting against the Trump administration. Protesters later took to the streets of downtown Denver, marching and chanting phrases like, “this is what democracy looks like.”
“If we all band together and we move together as a people, we can be more powerful and get our voices heard,” said CU Boulder student Michael Allred.
CU student Michael Allred dons a gas mask at the No Kings protest in Denver on March 28, 2026. (Sagan Randall/CU Independent)
A dog holds a sign in its mouth at the No Kings protest at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on March 28, 2026 (Peter FitzGerald/CU Independent)
Matthew Gnojek, in his signature Colorado Captain attire, speaks with children during the No Kings protest on March 28, 2026. (Sagan Randall/CU Independent)
Participants sign banner of the U.S. Constitution at “No Kings Day” protest on March 28, 2026. (Satori Griffith/CU Independent)
Protesters demonstrate outside the Colorado State Capitol for the No Kings protest on March 28, 2026. (Satori Griffith/CU Independent)
A protester going by the alias "Soopers" dons decorated knee pads at the No Kings protest in Denver on March 28, 2026. (Sagan Randall/CU Independent)
Demonstrators gather sit on Colorado State Capitol lawn during speeches, songs and chants at “No Kings Day” protest on March 28, 2026. (Avery Clifton/CU Independent)
The event officially began at 11:30 a.m., according to the organizer’s social media, though many protesters came early. Local activist organizations tents lined the Capitol lawn, some distributing handouts or selling T-shirts. A few food vendors and a stage were set up as well.
After breaking off from the march, eight people were arrested due to an unlawful assembly near Wazee and 20th St., according to the Denver Police Department. Officers were staged to prevent access to the highway and ordered the smaller group of protesters to disband.
After declaring the unlawful assembly, the police threw smoke canisters and shot pepperballs in order to clear the group. Most protesters left the area while some were tackled and taken into custody. Later at the event, police arrested another person for “throwing objects” according to DPD, bringing the arrest total to nine.
Allred joined a group of protesters that brought shields made from plastic water jugs and wood. He said their primary purpose was to cause disruption and protect the rest of the crowd from counterprotesters and police. Allred said that disruption is necessary to cause political change.
“This is what needs to be done, even though it is uncomfortable to break the law and get out there and do things that set you out,” he said.
With most of the crowd continuing the march back to the Capitol, the event officially ended at 5 p.m., according to the organizer’s social media.
Contact CU Independent Visuals Editor Sagan Randall at sagan.randall@colorado.edu.
Contact CU Independent News Editor Avery Clifton at avery.clifton@colorado.edu.
Contact CU Independent Managing Editor Satori Griffith at satori.griffith@colorado.edu.
Contact CU Independent Staff Photographer Peter Fitzgerald at peter.fitzgerald@colorado.edu.
