More than 200,000 attended flagship "No Kings" rally in Minnesota, organizers estimate

Tens of thousands came out for Minnesota's "No Kings" rally at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Saturday. The event, designated as the national flagship rally, was one of thousands across the United States. 

Organizers of the rally believe it is the largest in the state's history, estimating over 200,000 attendees.

Protests began at noon across three sites in St. Paul: Harriet Island, St. Paul College and Western Sculpture Park, before culminating on the Capitol grounds. 

The rally drew in big names, including singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, actor and activist Jane Fonda and Sen. Bernie Sanders, who all took to the stage during the nearly three-hour event. 

Springsteen performed his song "Streets of Minneapolis," which he wrote in response to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during Operation Metro Surge. Springsteen will also kick off his latest tour in Minnesota. 

A decades-old musical connection helped bring Springsteen into the lineup on Saturday. That's according to former TV host and musician Jon "Bowzer" Bauman, who said that he called Springsteen's team in early February. Bauman used to perform with doo-wop revival group Sha Na Na, first meeting Springsteen in the early '70s when he opened for them in the days before the E Street Band.

Bauman, who now works on issues related to senior citizens with The Social Security Works Political Action Committee, said that he was tapped by No Kings organizers to get Springsteen involved. He said it didn't take too long to have The Boss on board. 

"We got to begging pretty quickly," Bauman joked.   

Joan Baez also performed at Saturday's event, with local musical groups Minnesota Singing Resistance and Brass Solidarity Band. Together they performed 'Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round.' Baez told the crowd she first sang that song with Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. 60 years ago in Montgomery, Alabama. 

In addition to Operation Metro Surge, speakers criticized the Trump administration for the war in Iran. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, speaking to WCCO, said that she would not support boots on the ground. 

"When we went to war in Iraq, that I didn't agree with, there was actually a debate and a vote in Congress. That hasn't happened here and that's why we keep pushing, then they can present the case to us about whether or not we go into a full scale war," Klobuchar said. 

When WCCO asked if there was a case that could be presented to the senator that would lead her to support ground troops, she said, "No, not at this moment." 

Minnesotans share reasons for attending rally

"Every American should be making their voices heard and that's what we're out here trying to do," said Chris Haefner, of West St. Paul.  

Haefner was one of thousands who marched from Harriet Island to the Capitol. Other crowds did the same from Saint Paul College and the Western Sculpture Park.  

Minnesotans of all different ages and backgrounds turned out. 

"I feel like we can make an impact," said 12-year-old Jaiden, of St. Paul.

"I've been outraged for months, I'm exhausted, but I'm still out on the streets every week with my friends," said Steve Kaufman, of Mendota Heights.  

"It's a common cause: democracy," said John Bodle, of St. Paul, when asked what brought him and another stranger together during the march. 

Bodle also said democracy is their driving force, compassion is their hopeful solution.

"I strongly believe that the empathy and compassion has to come back around," said Tony Morrissette, of Farmington. "That is the spearhead to sovereign hearts like we have to do it."  '

The last "No Kings" rally was in October 2025. 

WCCO noticed this time around, protesters chatted a lot more about Immigration Customs and Enforcement, chanted the names of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and also witnessed many signs regarding the war in Iran.  

Republicans respond to protest

With many democrats joining the "No Kings" rally, the Minnesota GOP released a statement saying, in part, "The irony of this protest is hard to miss. The people behind it aren't fighting for democracy; they're defending a political dynasty of one-party rule, reckless spending, and government overreach."

The statement did not address Operation Metro Surge.

Two GOP representatives wrote to the state Department of Administration, expressing concern and disappointment about banners displayed at the Capitol.

They say the banners do not appear to follow Capitol rules and asked for clarification about permits.