A “No Kings” protest took place Saturday, March 28, at Porter Park in Rexburg, drawing more than 200 participants, according to event organizers. The protest was one of several demonstrations organized in communities across the country.

Rebekah Tiberend, a Rexburg community member and Legislative District Chair for District 34 for the Madison County Democrats, served as one of the main organizers. Tiberend worked alongside Ethan Sanford, a junior at BYU-Idaho majoring in Political Science with a minor in Creative Writing, who acted as the lead safety volunteer.

Tiberend said she has helped organize multiple demonstrations in Rexburg over the past year, including previous “No Kings” events. She explained that hosting the protest locally allowed residents from Rexburg and surrounding rural communities to participate without traveling long distances.

According to Tiberend, the primary goal of the event was to provide a space for individuals to express their viewpoints and connect with others in the community. She said that organizing local gatherings can help reduce feelings of isolation among residents who hold differing perspectives and encourage civic engagement.

Sanford said he first became aware of the “No Kings” protests when the initial event was held last summer. After learning that a third demonstration would take place on March 28, he said he began planning how he would participate. Sanford served as the lead safety volunteer, a role he described as ensuring that attendees remained peaceful and that any interactions with counter-protesters were de-escalated if necessary.

Organizers estimated that approximately 202 people attended at the peak of the protest, with a total turnout closer to 250 throughout the day as individuals arrived and departed. Sanford said he expected strong participation but was surprised by the final count.

Both organizers described the atmosphere as respectful and focused on civic expression. Tiberend noted that the protest included music and opportunities for participants to connect with one another. Sanford said events like this provide opportunities for individuals, including college students, to engage in civic life and express their views.

J. Omar Hansen, a Rexburg resident who attended the protest, said he and his wife have been politically active for decades. Hansen said he believes public demonstrations can help raise awareness and encourage community dialogue.

“One thing we know is that democracy can be fragile,” Hansen said. He added that gatherings such as the protest allow citizens to participate and share their perspectives.

Tiberend said community response to the protest was mixed, which she expected given the area’s political diversity. While some feedback was critical, she said others expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect with people who shared similar views.

Organizers emphasized that the protest was intended to remain peaceful and focused on civic engagement. They also expressed hope that participants would continue to stay involved in their communities through voting, communication with elected officials and other forms of civic participation.