More than 100 people gathered midday Saturday at the intersection of St. Louis and Harrison streets in Batesville for a local “No Kings” protest, part of a nationwide day of demonstrations opposing actions by the Trump administration.
Organizers told White River Now, attendance for the rally was “awesome,” with an estimated 125 to 135 participants from Independence, Izard, Jackson, Sharp, and White counties on hand.
Kristie Rounds, chair of the Independence County Democratic Party, said planning began about two weeks ago, noting organizers believed “there would be a big enough voice here and enough people that we shouldn’t have to travel to Little Rock to do this.”
Protesters said drivers passing by honked, waved, and showed support. One participant, Alisa Lancaster, said, “This has nothing to do with being a Democrat or being a Republican. This is about our democracy and our Constitution, and we should all be fearful about what is going on.”
The Batesville protest was among more than a dozen held across Arkansas despite forecasts of severe weather.
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