Austin protesters disperse peacefully nearly 2 hours after 'No Kings' protest ends
As Austin’s first large-scale protest since Monday’s anti-ICE demonstration — which resulted in 13 arrests — came to a close late Saturday night without major incident.
"With the exception of a small number of agitators, the event remained largely peaceful,” the Austin Police Department said in a post on X Saturday night. “Additional details regarding the event will be shared in the coming days."
More than 10,000 people gathered on the Texas Capitol grounds for the “No Kings” protest. It was one of more than 1,800 planned across the country, aimed at garnering significant crowds to oppose what protesters describe as President Donald Trump’s authoritarian-like rule. It coincides with Trump’s birthday and a military parade in Washington, D.C.
After the “No Kings” protest at the Texas Capitol concluded, hundreds of protestors spilled onto the streets of downtown Austin, chanting phrases like “Whose Streets? Our Streets!” and “ICE out of Austin now.”
That demonstration ended just after 11 p.m., according to a post on X from the Austin Police Department.
Here's a recap of our live updates from protests in Austin and across Texas:
9:47 p.m. (final update): Crowds begin to disperse from downtown Austin
Nearly two hours after the conclusion of the “No Kings” protest, demonstrators have begun dispersing from downtown Austin.
Austin police urge protesters to stay on sidewalks, remain aware of their surroundings, and report suspicious activity as the downtown demonstration continues.
-Statesman staff
9:32 p.m.: DPS troopers equip gas masks as protesters reach Austin Convention Center
As protesters reached the Austin Convention Center at the intersection of Red River and East 4th Street, Texas Department of Public Safety officers were seen donning gas masks and holding tear gas canisters.
-Statesman staff
9:22 p.m.: Authorities use chemical agents as protesters move toward 6th Street
Chemical agents have been deployed by authorities. At 8th Street and Trinity, DPS troopers equipped with shields and non-lethal round guns are shouting commands more aggressively. Protesters appear to be moving toward 6th Street.
A large crowd of protesters walks down “Dirty Sixth.” Several bar patrons and employees were watching from the sidewalks.
-Lily Kepner, Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Ella McCarthy
8:56 p.m.: APD issues arrest warning, says protesters must be on the sidewalk
Protesters moved through a parking garage to reach the intersection of East 8th Street and San Jacinto Boulevard. An APD officer warned that anyone not on the sidewalk could face arrest.
Defying APD orders to remain on the sidewalk or face arrest, dozens of protesters approached officers and sat down in front of them, one holding a billowing American flag.
-Lily Kepner
8:48 p.m.: Group of protesters grows in front of J.J. Pickle Federal Building
A few dozen protesters appear to have marched from South Congress down 8th Street, roughly doubling the size of the crowd gathered at the J.J. Pickle Federal Building to several hundred. In response, Austin police have deployed mounted units and more than two dozen bicycle officers.
Crowds are beginning to move toward Austin Police Department officers, despite repeated warnings that remaining on the roadway could result in arrests.
-Emiliano Tahui Gómez
8:40 p.m.: State troopers in riot gear hold back protesters near E 10th Street and San Jacinto
State troopers in riot gear, equipped with shields, are positioned at the intersection of East 10th Street and San Jacinto Boulevard, blocking the street to about 100 protesters. Mounted officers have also arrived at the scene.
A portion of the protest crowd has begun moving away from the area where state troopers have blocked the road, though some demonstrators remain on site.
-Lily Kepner, Ella McCarthy
8:28 p.m.: Man who threatened Texas state lawmakers was "far left-leaning" politically, DPS says
The man who threatened Texas state lawmakers is “far left-leaning” politically and sought to harm lawmakers he disagreed with, a Department of Public Safety spokesperson told the Statesman in a Saturday night email. Earlier, DPS said the suspect targeted lawmakers attending the “No Kings” protest, all of whom are Democrats.
Ericka Miller, the spokesperson, said the investigation is ongoing.
-Bayliss Wagner
8:11 p.m.: State troopers stand outside J.J. Pickle Federal Building as protesters arrive
State troopers emerged from the J.J. Pickle Federal Building as masked protesters began arriving at the site. Troopers shouted at demonstrators to keep moving and avoid gathering on the sidewalk, repeatedly calling out, “Keep moving!”
Meanwhile, dozens of state troopers on bicycles, along with several mounted officers, stood positioned as hundreds of demonstrators moved down the hill on 8th Street toward Congress Avenue, blocking eastbound traffic. The crowd chanted, “Whose streets? Our streets!”
-Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Lily Kepner, Ella McCarthy
7:58 p.m.: 'No Kings' protesters start walking through downtown Austin
Some Austin police officers are present as a large crowd of protesters moves through downtown, being directed through the streets by law enforcement. So far, there have been no visible confrontations.
On 6th Street, a line of cars waits to exit a parking garage as hundreds of marchers pass by. The front of the crowd has begun turning onto Lavaca Street, chanting, “The people united will never be divided.”
-Lily Kepner, Ella McCarthy
7:40 p.m.: No protests yet at ICE processing center as Austin crowd chants to 'take the streets'
As of 7:40 p.m., no protests had formed outside the J.J. Pickle Federal Building, an ICE processing center that drew demonstrators’ attention on Monday night. Austin police officers were already present at the site, anticipating potential activity following social media posts and conversations among protesters at the Capitol suggesting the demonstration might shift locations.
Back at the intersection of Congress Avenue and 11th Street, a large circle of protesters chanted, “March, march, let’s take the streets,” following repeated calls of “F— ICE.”
-Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Lily Kepner
7:20 p.m. Counterprotester detained at Austin protest
A counterprotester was just detained at 7:20 p.m., according to an American-Statesman photographer, who witnessed the individual being escorted away in handcuffs.
The incident also marked a distinction from what has otherwise been a peaceful protest.
-Statesman staff
7:19 p.m.: Naturalized immigrants join Austin protest to defend democracy and inclusivity
Anthony Brown, 65, immigrated to the United States from England in 1985, drawn by a belief in free speech. He was at the Capitol protest alongside his friend Patricia Black, 49, to defend that very principle.
“I wish everybody could come here,” Brown said of the rally, drawing comparisons between the current political climate in the U.S. and the rise of Nazi Germany — a theme echoed in many of the day’s speeches and protest signs. “I’m here because I believe in freedom for everybody,” he said. “It’s like Jesus said: if you don’t honor your neighbor, you don’t honor me.”
Black, a mental health therapist who has lived in the U.S. for 28 years, grew up in Switzerland. She said the atmosphere in Europe is more accepting of diversity.
“In Europe, this population is the norm. I have trans friends, gay friends — nobody judges people for being gay,” she said. “It’s sad.” She added that she hopes to see the U.S. become more inclusive.
“We’re not difficult people asking for something crazy,” Black said. “We’re asking for democracy — which should be here anyway.”
-Lily Kepner
7:09 p.m.: 7th-generation Texans looking for 'less talk, more action' from elected officials
Ken and Shannon Langham, both seventh-generation Texans, said they joined the rally to protest what they described as a “lack of empathy” and the “destruction of all of our values as Americans.”
The couple stood on the edge of the Capitol lawn, holding colorful handmade signs that read “Humpty Trumpty” and “Liberty and Justice for All.”
Shannon Langham said she wanted to see “less talk, more action” from elected officials who are pushing back against the Trump administration.
“It just feels like we're at a moment where words are not going to get us out of the situation that we're in,” she said. “They need to move forward, even if we don't have the full Senate, full Congress.”
-Ella McCarthy
6:57 p.m.: Retired Army officer protests for immigrant rights at Austin rally
Jami Trevino, 31, a medically retired Army officer, stood at the corner of Congress Avenue and 11th Street holding both Mexican and American flags. Dressed in camouflage pants and a green shirt, she swayed as a brass band played “We Shall Overcome.”
“Immigration is my number one issue,” Trevino said. “I’m half Hispanic, and I’m actually a sixth-generation Texan, but there’s still that division in our society that I’ve built my life around reconciling.”
Trevino said she has been protesting at the Capitol since she was 9 years old in support of "equality." While she said it’s frustrating that the need to protest remains, she loves seeing everyone come together.
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “It’s important for people to know there is safety in numbers” — both at demonstrations and within communities, as ICE continues its deportation efforts.
-Lily Kepner
6:52 p.m.: Austin protesters wave both Mexican and American flags
While several Democratic elected officials delivered remarks from the Capitol steps, many protesters remained gathered at the front gates on East 11th Street.
Demonstrators waved both Mexican and American flags, while a group wearing matching purple “resistDANCE” shirts played drums and danced to the rhythm.
Passing cars honked in support as they drove by the scene.
Some of the signs held by protesters included messages such as “Racism is the biggest pandemic!!” “We the people are immigrants on stolen land,” and “Peaceful protesters.”
-Ella McCarthy
6:40 p.m.: Protesters listen somberly to audio recordings of ICE apprehensions
At 11th Street and Congress Avenue, a small group gathered to listen as videos of ICE raids played through a megaphone. Those around the scene remained silent and somber.
Karina Reyes, a 22-year-old Austin native and stay-at-home mother, said she compiled the videos on her own to highlight what she described as “the sad reality that’s going on.” The clips depicted a child, a mother, and a grandmother being apprehended by ICE agents.
“We need to change,” Reyes told the crowd of several dozen who gathered around her, many holding American and Mexican flags. Moments later, a chant erupted from those surrounding her: “F— ICE.”
-Lily Kepner
6:36 p.m.: Austin protest crowd size grows to over 10,000
State troopers estimate the crowd at over 10,500, though the demonstration is now beginning to disperse.
-Emiliano Tahui Gómez
6:20 p.m.: Austin protest speakers express support for immigrant rights, others denounce Elon Musk
“Today is about peace. Today is about safe space,” a Hands Off Texas organizer told the crowd, moments before dozens of white doves were released from the Capitol toward the gleeful crowd.
Some protesters wore crowns or American flags, others sported drag makeup or jester hats. The signs on display varied in message and tone, though many focused on immigration and opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Messages included “Immigration is America” and “No one is illegal on stolen land.”
One sign facing the main stage stood out for its sharper tone, reading “Unalive the Billionaires” in bold, angular white lettering.
Speakers have praised the power of a peaceful protest and urged protesters not to escalate into unlawful action, a warning echoed by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who said that such behavior would only serve to benefit former President Trump.
Between speakers, the crowd joined a performer in singing “No Kings,” followed by chants of “No Trump, No KKK, No Fascist USA,” and “Defund ICE,” as bubbles floated up from the stage.
Throughout the program, speakers voiced strong support for transgender rights, immigrant rights, and protester rights. A representative from Resist Austin, who spoke at the protest, denounced Elon Musk.
-Lily Kepner
6:03 p.m.: State Rep. John Bucy amid death threats: 'Hell yeah I'm going to speak'
State Rep. John Bucy took the podium as the protest at the Capitol entered its second hour, drawing an estimated crowd of 8,000.
“I was incredibly heartbroken to wake up in a country where there is a political assassination in Minnesota,” Bucy said. “I’m worried about my colleagues. I’m worried about their families.” But when reporters asked whether fear would keep him from speaking, he was resolute: “Hell yeah I’m going to speak,” he told the roaring crowd.
Bucy followed local drag performer Brigitte Bandit and U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett. Speakers throughout the event portrayed the president as a threat to democracy and urged attendees to stand in solidarity with transgender people, immigrants, and one another.
“He’s built a political machine we’ve been taught to fear in history’s darkest moments,” Bucy said. “If this all feels familiar, it should. History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.”
Despite the heat, the mood among demonstrators remained upbeat, with many bringing lawn chairs to settle in for the long event.
Many in the crowd held signs comparing the current administration to the Nazi regime. “No Kings!” The crowd has repeatedly chanted.
-Lily Kepner
6:00 p.m.: Austin residents protest on behalf of undocumented family members
At the podium, the focus of speakers like Lloyd Doggett has been to be anti-authoritarian, but down on 11th Street, the presence of Mexican flags and anti-slogans is heavier.
Austin resident Monica Castillo, 42, who came out in a Mexican jersey and flags, said she attended to protest on behalf of her family members who do not have legal status and cannot attend.
“They’re scared to come out,” she said. “I’m here for that. They’re just getting Mexicans and brown people.”
-Emiliano Tahui Gómez
5:54 p.m.: Over 8,000 protesters attend 'No King' rally in Austin
More than 8,000 demonstrators had joined the protest by 6 p.m., according to officers at the scene.
-Ella McCarthy
5:49 p.m.: Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett speaks at Austin protest
Congressman Lloyd Doggett just spoke to the growing crowd, which is easily over 1,000 people.
“Welcome patriots who will never bow down to a king,” he said. Austin City Council member Zo Qadri spoke before him.
-Ella McCarthy
5:27 p.m.: More protesters arrive at the Austin protest: 'How do you have a life without immigrants'
Additional protesters continued to arrive at the Capitol on foot after parking far east. A pedicab made rounds offering rides to those en route. Among the demonstrators was Stephany Burton, 37, who painted herself green to resemble the Statue of Liberty to protest President Donald Trump’s policies and immigration enforcement today.
“Nazis are running our country,” Burton, originally from San Antonio, said. “How do you have a life without immigrants?”
Others carried signs calling for the abolition of ICE and urging action against ignorance.
-Lily Kepner
5:19 p.m.: Thousands chant 'Lock him up,' wish Trump a happy birthday with 'Chicken Dance'
The first notable boos from the crowd erupted when a 5051 organizer referenced the military parade in Washington, D.C. This was followed by a surge of jeers and chants of “Lock him up.”
The crowd, estimated to be over a thousand, filled the Capitol promenade to mark former President Trump’s birthday. Protesters began the demonstration by wishing their “Taco-in-Chief” a happy birthday, kicking off the event with a rendition of the chicken dance.
There was messaging from national organizers that part of today’s protest was to reclaim the American flag as a symbol for anti-Trump movements. A number of American flags were visible among the first thousands who gathered at the Capitol promenade.
-Emiliano Tahui Gómez
4:50 p.m.: Texas police arrest man in connection with 'threat' made against lawmakers
Texas authorities have arrested a man in connection with an alleged threat made on lawmakers attending a protest at the Capitol. A state trooper with DPS arrested the man in La Grange, southeast of Austin.
The threat is no longer considered active, a spokeswoman for DPS said.
-Tony Plohetski
4:38 p.m.: Democratic state lawmaker affirms Austin protest will continue as planned
Despite concerns about threats against lawmakers at the Capitol, the protest will continue as planned, said Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair and state Rep. Gene Wu, who is sponsoring the protest. The grounds will close at 8 p.m.
"We have every indication from the Austin No Kings organizers and Hands Off Central TX that our demonstration will continue," Wu said in a statement. "We are in active conversations with public safety officials, as well as state and local leaders to ensure Texans have the opportunity to exercise their First Amendment rights without fear, intimidation, or violence."
-Bayliss Wagner
4:22 p.m.: Protesters start gathering for 'No Kings' protest in Austin
Hundreds began gathering near the south steps of the Texas Capitol around 4 p.m. Saturday, about an hour before the protest is scheduled to start.
DPS troopers were also seen at the Capitol ahead of the protest.
-Sara Diggins
4:17 p.m.: State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt says person detained in threats made against Texas lawmakers
Democratic State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt told reporters Saturday that a person had been detained in relation to the threats made against Texas lawmakers. DPS did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation of the information.
“It appears that there was a copycat,” she said, referring to the shooting of state lawmakers in Minnesota earlier Saturday.
Eckhardt said she still plans to speak at the protest this evening.
-Ella McCarthy
4 p.m.: Abbott condemns 'heinous acts of violence' in Minnesota
In a statement, first reported by CBS reporter Michael Adkison, a spokesperson for Gov. Greg Abbott states the governor and his wife are praying for the two Minnesota lawmakers shot in an act Gov. Tim Walz called an act of "targeted political violence."
Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in their homes, and Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot and are recovering at a local hospital.
"The Governor and First Lady fully condemn the heinous acts of violence in Minnesota and are praying for the Hortman and Hoffman families during this time," the statement said. "State officials should be able to do their duty free from political intimidation."
Abbott added that DPS will mitigate all threats to maintain safety.
-Lily Kepner
3:45 p.m.: Rain could dampen protests in Austin
A stationary line of showers and thunderstorms parked over the I-35 corridor was bringing precipitation to parts of Austin Saturday afternoon.
The National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio predicts a 30% chance of rain for the area through 7 p.m., meaning demonstrators may encounter wet conditions or hear a rumble of thunder.
Unseasonably warm temperatures also persist across Central Texas, with temperatures hovering in the 90s and heat indices predicted to soar up to 107 degrees in Austin on Saturday, though rain could help cool the region.
-Alex Driggars
2:40 p.m.: DPS evacuates Capitol out of caution, 'temporarily' closes building, grounds
Texas Department of Public Safety officers evacuated the Capitol after a "credible threat" toward state lawmakers set to speak at this evening's protest, and have "temporarily closed" both the grounds and the building "out of an abundance of caution" as of 1 p.m., the department announced on X at 2:30 p.m.
"DPS has a duty to protect the people and property of Texas and is continuously monitoring events occurring today and their impact on public safety across the state," the post said.
The temporary closure's impact on the demonstration at 5 p.m. is not immediately clear, but DPS said it will work with all parties to "ensure the safety of our citizens and state property, as well as to protect individuals exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and free speech."
-Lily Kepner
2:30 p.m.: Crowds in Dallas, Houston exceed 10,000+, stay peaceful
"No Kings" protests across the country have attracted massive crowds of peaceful demonstrators, including in Texas.
Dallas Police told Fox 4 they estimated 10,000 people had turned out to demonstrate, and The Houston Chronicle reported that 15,000 people attended the city's anti-Trump demonstration, quoting an estimate from Houston Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia.
In Fort Worth, dozens of women dressed as handmaidens from Margaret Atwood's dystopian "Handmaid's Tale" carrying a banner stating "We The People Were Not Meant to Kneel."
-Lily Kepner
1:30 p.m.: Austin organizers to 'accelerate' program, add precautions ahead of 'No Kings' protest
Paul Vonder Haar, treasurer of Hands Off Central Texas, said in an interview that organizers are actively communicating with law enforcement and taking precautions after the Texas Department of Public Safety identified a credible threat against state legislators. He declined to specify the measures being taken, citing safety concerns.
The most significant change, Vonder Haar said, is that the program will be "accelerated" to end before 8 p.m. and give people plenty of time to leave before the grounds close. It will likely start right at 5 p.m., he said.
Vonder Haar added that organizers have added 20 port-a-potties, given that the Capitol Building will be closed, and are directing people to use the bathroom before the protest or use the public ones in Waterloo Park, about a 10-minute walk from the grounds.
-Lily Kepner
1 p.m.: Texas DPS alerts to 'credible threat' against state lawmakers
The Texas Department of Public Safety has identified a “credible threat toward state legislators” attending today’s “No Kings” protest at the state Capitol, according to an email alert sent to Capitol staffers and lawmakers just before 1 p.m. Saturday.
Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu is sponsoring the protest, and Austin democratic state Rep. John Bucy III, state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt and U.S. Rep. Greg Casar are also planning to attend the protest.
The threat came on the same day two state lawmakers in the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party were assassinated in Minnesota.
Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, told lawmakers in an internal email that police found a list of potential targets in the vehicle of the suspect who killed the Minnesota lawmakers.
“It seems to be an isolated incident. However, we’re always concerned about copycats and those who the attack might inspire. Your safety is our top priority, and we are taking all necessary precautions to address any potential threats.”
-Bayliss Wagner
9 a.m.: City announces Capitol grounds closing at 8 p.m.
Mayor Kirk Watson said the Capitol grounds will close "promptly at 8 p.m." on X and advised participants to expect heavy traffic, identify safe exits, and prepare for an increased police presence.
At 9 a.m. Friday, Austin Police also said protesters should prepare for an 8 p.m. closure of the grounds. Participants can text "Protest 614" to "888777" for Austin police protest updates.
-Lily Kepner
Gov. Greg Abbott deploys more than 5,000 National Guard troops to Texas cities as protest joins heated political moment
Gov. Greg Abbott, a close ally of Trump, said Thursday that he deployed more than 5,000 Texas National Guard troops across the state for expected demonstrations, which Austin leaders have said is unnecessary.
The Texas Department of Public Safety also announced Friday that it will close the Capitol building at 4 p.m. Saturday to “ensure the safety” of visitors.
Despite the protest occurring at this heated moment, Hands Off Central Texas began planning the protest weeks before the highly tense anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, where Trump called the National Guard and military to intervene before a judge stopped the action, Paul Vonder Haar, treasurer of Hands Off Central Texas, said.
Vonder Haar expects a crowd of 10,000 to 15,000 people, unless rain dampens the size, more than the past protests Hands off Central Texas has hosted this year without incident. He said he has been in contact with local law enforcement, state troopers, and professional de-escalation experts.
Vonder Haar said that in a crowd of the size organizers expect, agitators and conflict are possible, but the city and organizers are prepared to de-escalate and are committed to nonviolence.
“I want to make it 100% clear, this is going to be a safe event,” Vonder Haar said. “We really want to get a circus atmosphere. We want this to be a fun time. Because we’ve noticed things have been a little scary out there, but it’s hard to be scared when you’re looking at a guy juggling three pins.”
-Lily Kepner
Organizers criticize Abbott, Trump's National Guard deployment
Rachel O'Learly Carmona, executive director of the Women's March, Inc, which is organizing the "Kick Out the Clowns" part of Saturday's "No King" protest, criticized Abbott and Trump’s deployment of the National Guard as “stark political intervention" in an interview with the American-Statesman, and said the Women's March is committed to nonviolence and peaceful demonstration to counter "state violence."
“We've been hearing very clearly from courts about the illegality of the overreach that has happened,” she said, referring to the judge’s decision to block Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles. “You don't fight fire with fire. You fight fire with water.”
Both organizers said Saturday’s protest is designed to highlight the “absurdity” in politics today and provide levity through humor, satire, circus-themed acts, and a showcase of community, giving people a productive and lawful channel to advance change.
Vonder Haar recruited performers from an Austin juggling club and clown colleges, he said, and Austin’s U.S. Democratic Representatives Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar are also expected to speak. Local performers Brigitte Bandit and ResistDance will also perform, he added.
The Los Angeles Protests and the ICE raids that prompted them have "been a real wake-up call of, wow, people need to get out there," Vonder Haar said.
"But they need to get out there in the right way," he added. “This is the right event for the moment."
-Lily Kepner
Check back for live updates as the Austin 'No Kings' protest unfolds.