Nationwide Protests Hit Houston
Thousands of people gathered in downtown Houston on Saturday, October 18, 2025, to participate in the nationwide "No Kings" protests. The demonstration outside Houston City Hall was the second in four months, with the previous event in June also drawing thousands of participants. Similar protests took place across the Houston region, as well as in other Texas cities like Austin and Dallas.
A Peaceful Protest
The latest protest in downtown Houston remained peaceful, with no incidents of violence or arrests reported. A significant presence of law enforcement officers, numbering over 100, was visible at the protest, which had shut down traffic near City Hall for much of the afternoon. Despite the large crowd, the atmosphere remained calm, with protesters marching from Discovery Green to City Hall and gathering to hear speeches from labor leaders, elected officials, and activists.
Speeches and Messages
Democratic U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law and protecting democracy. "We know what lawlessness looks like," Crockett said. "Lawlessness looks like ICE going and disappearing people. Lawlessness looks like Donald Trump, who just happens to be convicted of 34 felony convictions, sitting in the White House." Annise Parker, former mayor of Houston and a Democratic candidate for Harris County judge, also spoke at the event, urging protesters to translate their energy into action on Election Day, which is November 4.
Protesters’ Demands and Messages
Many protesters carried signs with various messages, including "What a faux-king joke" and demands for the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Some protesters wore large inflatable costumes, similar to those seen in protests in Portland. One woman held a sign that read, "I need to be able to tell my grandchildren I did not stay silent." Others, like sister and brother Sharon Dixon and Terry Flenniken, held signs labeling themselves as "Grandparents against MAGA," with the added phrase "We are gran-tifa."
Personal Stories and Motivations
Sharon Dixon, a grandmother, explained that she was motivated to participate in the protest for the sake of her grandkids. "I want to leave a better America for them than what we’re heading to… where they have freedom, where the Constitution and laws are honored," she said. Terry Flenniken, a retired judge, shared similar sentiments, stating that he wanted to be able to tell his grandchildren that he had spoken out against injustice. "I think that’s very important for my grandchildren to know that I pushed back to the extent that I could," he added.
Conclusion
The "No Kings" protest in Houston was a peaceful and powerful expression of the concerns and demands of thousands of Americans. With its emphasis on democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, the protest served as a reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the need for citizens to hold their leaders accountable. As the nation moves forward, it is likely that such protests will continue to play a vital role in shaping the conversation about the future of America.
