Colorado's Massive Protests: A Day of Resistance Against Current Policies

Across Colorado, thousands of people took to the streets on a Saturday in June 2025. They were united by a common goal: to protest against the policies of the Trump administration. This was one of the largest demonstrations since the social justice protests of 2020, sparked by the death of George Floyd. People gathered in more than a dozen locations across the state. They held signs, chanted slogans, and marched through parks, overpasses, and even quiet street corners. The atmosphere was largely peaceful throughout the day. However, in the evening, a group of protesters in Denver tried to march onto I-25. Police responded with pepper balls and gas canisters, dispersing the crowd. The protests were not limited to Denver. From Grand Junction to Colorado Springs, and from Denver to Durango, people came together to voice their concerns. In Grand Junction, hundreds gathered peacefully, causing some traffic disruption. In Colorado Springs, a speaker urged the crowd to remain peaceful and stay off the streets. In Parker, people held signs along the roads, catching the attention of passing cars. In Genesee, protesters stood on a bridge over I-70, holding up signs for drivers to see. The "No Kings" rallies were a broad call to action against various policies. These included immigration enforcement, attacks on free speech, and LGBTQ rights. The protests were part of a national movement, with about 2, 000 cities planning marches on the same day. This day was significant because it was President Donald Trump’s birthday and the day of a military parade in Washington, D. C. , celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Army's founding. In Denver, the protests were organized by several groups, including the Colorado 50501 Chapter, the Party for Social Liberalism, and Women’s Strike and Raise Her Voice. The march began at the Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park and spilled out into the streets. Police monitored the situation, blocking traffic to ensure safe passage for the demonstrators. Throughout the afternoon, different groups marched peacefully, with no major clashes reported. However, in the evening, a smaller group near Colfax and I-25 attempted to access the interstate. Police used pepper balls and smoke canisters to disperse them. This incident highlighted the tensions between protesters and law enforcement. Despite this, the overall atmosphere remained peaceful, with protesters chanting and marching through downtown Denver. The protests in Colorado were a reflection of a broader national movement. They showed that people are willing to stand up for what they believe in, even in the face of adversity. The protests also highlighted the importance of peaceful demonstration and the need for dialogue between different groups in society.