Austin 'No Kings' protests: Demonstrations take place

AUSTIN, Texas - Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets nationwide as part of the nationwide "No Kings" movement and protests are also happening right here in Central Texas. 

The backstory:

The protest is organized by "Hands off Central Texas", an Austin-based civics and first amendment nonprofit.

Today's protest started with a rally at the Capitol at 2 p.m. 

Ahead of the march, U.S. representatives for the state of Texas, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-TX and Rep. Greg Casar, D-TX, in addition to organizers with Hands Off Central Texas addressed the crowd.  

"The first no kings' day in America is better known as the American Revolution. 250 years later, we're responding to Trump's revolting conduct with the power of non-violence," said Doggett. 

Speakers called out the current administration for health care cuts and the ongoing government shutdown, as well as what they call authoritarian actions taken by President Trump. 

"Step by wrongful step, Trump is pursuing a massive power grab, pursuing purging the military because he wants his army to be more like Hitler's, purging the public watchdogs in our federal agencies, persecuting and prosecuting anyone who stands up with him," said Doggett. "He labels the free press the enemy of the people, and he calls for our military to turn on fellow Americans (so) whether you call him king or emperor or tyrant or dictator, we will never accept his totalitarianism."

Speakers also called on people from all walks of life to speak up and get involved in the "No Kings" movement. 

"If you're a teacher and the university wants to stop teaching real history, let's go teach it on the sidewalk. If your workplace isn't unionized, tomorrow can be the day it's unionized," said Casar. "If you're a person with a heart, go to a courthouse and accompany some of these immigrant families being torn apart with no due process. If you work with your hands, build a sign of descent in your yard."

Demonstrators walked from the Capitol up Congress Avenue to Auditorium Shores where there were speakers, food trucks, and music.

Gov. Abbott deploys National Guard

Dig deeper:

Prior to Saturday, Governor Greg Abbott announced the deployment of National Guard troopers and DPS troopers ahead of the protest, saying it was to ensure the safety of Texans and their property.

Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed the National Guard members wouldn’t be patrolling the street but would be ready to assist if needed.

What are ‘No Kings’ protests?

Big picture view:

Saturday's protest was one of many "No Kings" demonstrations taking place nationwide over the weekend. 

Some Republican leaders have referred to the protests as "Hate America Rallies," but demonstrators in Austin say the reason they're speaking out is that they love their country, and they want to see things change. 

Some people are trying to paint this as something that is anti-democratic. 

"There's nothing more democratic than this. This is us coming out and saying we're not happy, and the government should fear its citizens, not the other way around," said local protester Jack Richardson. "I love my country. My grandfathers fought for this country; my brother died for this country. I'm here because I want to give them a voice as well. We're here to fight for freedom and for representation. That's the most American thing you can do."

Protesters aligned with the "No Kings" movement say they plan to keep speaking out in defense of democracy.