Remembering No Kings, the Hortmans and spreading civic activism around Minnesota

It has been two months since the murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman and two months since the No Kings Day of Defiance Rally at the Capitol in St. Paul and other locations around Minnesota. Those events shaped the summer. The double murders and double attempted murders could have scared our community into silence. Instead, that night of violence galvanized thousands of people. That chilling terrorism strengthened our resolve to stand together in the fight for rights and freedom for ourselves and our neighbors.

The morning of June 14th, hours after one man’s brutal rampage against legislators and their families, the planners of No Kings Twin Cities — including Women’s March MN, Indivisible Twin Cities, MN 50501, and AFL-CIO of Minnesota — faced a difficult decision. What should be done about a march and rally that had been weeks in the planning — should they be derailed because of one man’s unspeakable violence? But the decision was clear. Crowds were already arriving near the Capitol. Some had heard the news and showed up anyway; some had not yet heard and processed their shock and grief and chose to stay. Yet there was a common thread throughout: We were there to fight fascism. We were there to speak for those who couldn't, including the Hortmans. We were there for the community. The movement was larger than the planners expected. An estimated 80,000 rallied in Saint Paul and another 25,000 participated in smaller events throughout the state despite messages from public safety officials, elected officials, and the media encouraging folks to stay home.

While “No Kings” has been the largest event of the summer, the momentum has sparked many events across Minnesota, including numerous memorials to the Hortmans, a “Good Trouble Lives On” march from the Hennepin Government Center to Target headquarters to honor Representative John Lewis, a “Rage Against the Regime” event to safely let off some steam by crushing watermelons, and mostly recently, the “No Taxation without Representation” event at the Capitol. Along with these Twin Cities events, we have also seen more activities throughout Minnesota.

Across the state, bridge brigade volunteers hold banners over highway overpasses. Neighbors participate in sidewalk marches where peaceful protesters hold signs in town centers, outside government buildings, or near the offices of elected officials. Local community leaders organize events in their homes, parks, local breweries, or online where attendees call policymakers, send postcards, or craft posters for future events. It’s clear that more people are gathering. Momentum is growing in the fight against fascism and this administration’s cruelty, including the rise of ICE kidnappings, unfounded tariffs, blatant discrimination, and the erasure of reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and gender equality. We’re making plans to support all our neighbors and are ready to step into action as needed.

The movement starts with a march but becomes so much more. People interested in events in their area can check out the Women’s March MN calendar that lists multiple events happening daily. Indivisible and MN 50501 have chapters across the state. To learn more about our work and upcoming events, follow any of our organizations’ social media and keep updated on ways you can get involved and be part of our growing movement to defend democracy and all our rights.