About 325 attend ‘No Kings’ protest at busy Branson intersection

BY JANIS BEACHAM

Approximately 325 community members gathered Saturday morning at the intersection of Highway 76 Country Boulevard and Gretna Road in Branson to participate in a peaceful “No Kings” protest organized by 50501 Missouri–Branson as part of a nationwide and international day of action.

Participants stood along the sidewalks from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., holding signs and engaging passing motorists in what organizers described as a visible but nonviolent expression of civic engagement. Organizers estimate approximately 8 million people participated in events across the United States, with additional protests held internationally in cities including London, England; Vienna, Austria; Rome, Italy; Athens, Greece; and Barcelona, Spain.

Organizer Jayne Dooley said she has seen growing participation in local events over time.

“I love helping to organize these events. I believe in supporting people’s right to free speech and the space to call out this administration’s corruption, disregard for our Constitution, and greed,” Dooley said. “I’ve been organizing in this area long enough now to see the growing numbers at these events. People have had enough.”

Participants also shared a range of reasons for attending, including concerns about equality, democratic institutions, the direction of national leadership and current public policy issues affecting their communities.

Participants also cited concerns about international conflict, including the ongoing war involving Iran, as well as U.S. immigration enforcement policies and the expansion of immigrant detention facilities operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Others said rising everyday costs, including the price of gasoline, were among the reasons they chose to participate in the protest.

“Great turnout. Very peaceful,” one participant said.

“We are fighting for a nation equal for everyone,” another attendee said.

One participant who identified himself as a Vietnam veteran reflected on his personal motivation for attending the event. “As a Vietnam vet I’ve seen too many wonderful people ruined by being forced into a war of tyrants,” he said.

Several attendees emphasized that the event brought together people with different political perspectives. “This goes beyond left or right,” another participant said.

Organizers noted that the size of the turnout was significant for the Branson area. “In deep red Branson, Missouri, it’s obvious the people have had enough,” one attendee commented. Participants remained on public sidewalks throughout the event and described the gathering as peaceful and community-focused. The protest concluded at approximately 12:30 p.m.