PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Multiple protests are planned to take place in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina on Saturday.

The protests, also known as the “No Kings” protest, is nationwide, with multiple expected in our region, including in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Cape Charles and Elizabeth City.

But what exactly does “No Kings” even mean in this context? According to the AP, the theme for the protest was created by the nationwide 50501 Movement, calling for Americans to stand up for what the group deems to be “authoritarian actions” from the Trump administration. 50501 stands for “50 protests, 50 states, one day,” according to their website.

Thousands of people across the Hampton Roads region and beyond are expected to participate on Saturday, June 14, which is slated to happen during President Trump’s military parade in Washington to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary — also coinciding with Trump’s birthday.

The protests come after several days of protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles. Members of the National Guard and Marines were deployed due to the protests in L.A., a move the state’s Governor Gavin Newsom has heavily criticized.

Organizers of the “No Kings” protest said they are committed to non-violent action and avoiding potential confrontations. Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach and James City County Police have stated they are aware of the planned protests and anticipate a peaceful gathering but will monitor these events.

Governor Glenn Youngkin told our sister station in Richmond, WRIC, that he is planning on activating the National Guard ahead of the protests.

Youngkin went on to say that while he supports American’s First Amendment rights to demonstrate, there is “zero tolerance for any violence, any destruction of personal property, business property, for disrupting traffic and putting people’s lives in danger.” A video of Youngkin’s response can be found below:

Local activist Dr. Sharon McQueen, an organizer of the No Kings rally in Norfolk, says the movement is meant to push back against “authoritarian behavior” from President Trump.

“Our checks and balances have been eroding. And people talk about this slow slide into authoritarianism. But I don’t think it’s a slow slide. I think we’re here,” adds McQueen.

Another organizer Carrie Short says she expects a large turnout of people to speak out against recent Trump administration actions.

“The idea behind the rallies is to engage more people in politics, to allow people to find a positive way to demonstrate their opposition,” Short said.

Business owners in the area of Battlefield Boulevard in Chesapeake like Diana Cruz were surprised by the announcement of the protest, but welcomes the idea.

“I hope that its peaceful. I hope that they are able to walk, I don’t care what party or side you’re on. It’s our right to be able to walk down the street if they want to and protest,” Cruz said.

A list of times and locations of the protests can be found below:

  • Norfolk — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • Location: Jeff Robertson Park, west Ghent at 1542 Armistead Bridge Road
  • Chesapeake — 10 a.m. to noon
    • Location: Greenbrier at 100 Volvo Parkway
  • Virginia Beach — 2-4 p.m.
    • Location: Intersection of Independence and Virginia Beach Boulevard at 4592 Virginia Beach Boulevard
  • Williamsburg — 5-6 p.m.
    • Location: Williamsburg James City County Courthouse at 5201 Monticello Avenue
  • Cape Charles — noon to 2 p.m.
    • Location: 21 Bay Ave at the LOVE sign
  • Elizabeth City — 3-5 p.m.
    • Location: Veterans Park at 222 North Water Street