“No Kings” Rally Draws Hundreds in Spindale

Hundreds gathered Saturday at the Spindale House for the “No Kings 2.0” rally, part of a nationwide series of protests opposing perceived government overreach. Organizers paid the town $25 for a permit to host the event at the public space.

Organized by Foothills for Justice and Indivisible WNC, the local chapter of the national political action committee, the event drew 525 attendees, they said. Many wore yellow and carried signs reading “No Kings” and “We the People.” The rally remained peaceful, with no arrests or counter-protests.

Local political figures made appearances, including Democratic congressional candidate Brent Caldwell, N.C. Senate candidate Doyle Brown, Jr., and Kisha McDowell of the Grahamtown Team. Speakers emphasized accountability, civic participation, and the importance of checks and balances, framing the rally as a community-focused demonstration against President Donald Trump and his administration's policies.

Across the U.S., similar demonstrations took place in approximately 2,000 cities. While larger urban rallies featured theatrics such as inflatables and marching bands, Spindale’s event emphasized neighborly engagement. Local musicians performed, children waved flags, and families attended together.

Some residents questioned the influence of national activist networks behind the movement, citing matching signage and messaging across cities. Organizers said the rally was citizen-driven and inclusive, welcoming anyone who supports democracy and fair elections. It remains unclear how many attendees are registered voters in Rutherford County, or if they live and vote elsewhere.

Saturday’s gathering concluded quietly, with a few yellow balloons drifting along Main Street. While the movement’s long-term impact in Rutherford County remains uncertain, it offered a snapshot of small-town civic engagement amid national political tensions as the government shutdown enters its fourth week.