Thousands gathered in First Ward Park in Charlotte on Saturday for a “No Kings” rally and march, joining national demonstrations coinciding with Flag Day and a military parade in Washington, D.C., by President Donald Trump to honor the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.

Event organizers say a total of nearly 5,500 people gathered in First Ward Park for the 'No Kings' rally and protest Saturday afternoon. The crowd packed into the park carrying signs towering over the crowd with clear messages.

However, organizers’ permit to be on the street in Charlotte had expired for this protest at 2 p.m. Protesters remained in the street past that time, and it was unclear how poli

“No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance,” the organizers write on their website. “From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like.” Here’s what to know about No Kings protests in the Charlotte area.

“No Kings” organizers have more than 1,500 planned protests for June 14th across the country. The nationwide protests come on the heels of unrest in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago following a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.

CHARLOTTE — Thousands are gathering across the Charlotte area to participate in a nationwide “ No Kings ” Protest. The protests are taking a stance against President Trump’s administration.

Organizers of the “No Kings” demonstrations said millions had marched in hundreds of events. In Oregon, tens of thousands of people gathered in downtown Portland for two large protests -- one that began in Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the other at the Oregon Convention Center.

Thousands took to the streets for morning protests across the area, but the largest was the evening 'No Kings' rally along Sarasota's bayfront.

Millions were expected to gather in “No Kings” demonstrations in over 1,500 cities on Saturday, the same day the Army is celebrating its 250th anniversary on Trump’s birthday.