Hundreds gathered in Coe Memorial Park on October 18 as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest movement, which aimed to push back against what organizers describe as rising authoritarianism during the second presidential term of Donald Trump.
The Torrington rally was one of about 40 held across Connecticut, according to CT Insider. The movement’s central message — “No Kings” — emphasizes that no individual should hold unchecked power and calls for the protection of democratic institutions, separation of powers, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
The October 18 demonstration marked the second major national “No Kings” protest this year. The first, held June 14, drew a crowd of more than 75,000 in Chicago, one of the largest turnouts to date.
In Torrington, the event combined activism with community service. Protesters were encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for donation to a local food bank, and volunteers hosted a voter registration table ahead of the upcoming mayoral election.
Attendee Nathan Pepler described the Torrington event as “very loud, powerful, [and] focused,” noting that “the entire Coe Park was filled with protesters, and we all had the same set of ideas in mind.”
Pepler estimated the crowd consisted mostly of older adults but emphasized the importance of youth involvement. “It’s so important for people our age to get involved, no matter what viewpoint you stand with,” he said. “The longer we wait, the less time we will have. This world is ours, and we need to protect the issues we care about.
