Overview
- More than 2,500 events are scheduled across all 50 states for Oct. 18, with organizers projecting millions in what they call the biggest peaceful protest in modern U.S. history.
- The coalition behind the day of action includes Indivisible, the ACLU, MoveOn, Public Citizen, Human Rights Campaign, SEIU, American Federation of Teachers, National Nurses United, United We Dream, League of Conservation Voters, and grassroots groups such as 50501.
- Anchor gatherings are planned outside the U.S. Capitol and in cities including Boston, New York, Atlanta, Kansas City, San Francisco, Chicago, New Orleans, and Bozeman, with Sen. Chris Murphy slated to speak in Washington.
- Republican leaders and the White House disparage the protests as extremist or a shutdown tactic, with GOP figures labeling them a “hate America rally” and officials warning that unlawful conduct will not be tolerated.
- Organizers emphasize nonviolence with required security and de-escalation training, legal and medical support at sites, and a $1 million promotional campaign from the nonprofit Home of the Brave.