Attending a ‘No Kings’ protest in KY this weekend? How to protect your rights
President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown has set off a wave of protests in cities across the country, and they’re expected to continue this weekend, including in Kentucky, as No Kings demonstrators organize for a “nationwide day of defiance.”
In a Thursday news release, the group said it expects millions of people in more than 2,000 cities and towns across the country to participate in No Kings events Saturday, June 14. Organizers described the day as “a national day of peaceful mobilization to defend democracy, reject authoritarian overreach, and stand up for their communities.”
“Two things remain true in this country: we have no kings, and no president can stop people from peacefully speaking out. On Saturday, millions across the nation will come together to make that message clear,” No Kings said in its release.
At least 14 No Kings protest events are being planned across Kentucky Saturday, when the president celebrates his 79th birthday on Flag Day with a military parade in Washington, D.C.
Lexington is one of the participating No Kings locations.
City of Lexington spokesperson Susan Straub said in an email Thursday the city hasn’t received a request to close a road for the event.
“The Lexington Police Department is aware of events happening in other parts of the country and is monitoring here in Lexington,” Straub told Herald-Leader.
If you are planning to attend a protest this weekend, here’s what to know to do so safely while exercising your First Amendment rights.
Have Kentucky laws on protests changed in recent years?
According to a resource on protester rights from the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, the First Amendment generally protects the right to assemble and express views through protest.
“Protest laws in Kentucky do not differ considerably from any federal laws. There’s no particular outliers,” said Angela Cooper, communications director for the ACLU of Kentucky.
Cooper noted protests have been a sensitive topic in Kentucky in recent years, particularly following the police killing of Breonna Taylor in 2020.
That doesn’t change the fact that “everyone is still absolutely protected by the First Amendment and their First Amendment right to protest,” Cooper said.
Do protests require a permit in Kentucky?
According to the ACLU of Kentucky, protesters generally do not need a permit to march in the streets or on sidewalks, provided they do not block traffic for pedestrians or cars.
Some types of events, including parades or marches, may require permits for blocking traffic and closing streets. A large rally that involves sound amplifying devices or rallies over a certain size held at parks or plazas may also require permits.
Other notable points about permits include the following, according to the ACLU of Kentucky:
Certain permit procedures require submitting an application in advance, but the police cannot use those procedures to block a protest in response to breaking news events.
Restrictions placed on the route of a march or the sound equipment used could violate the First Amendment if they are unnecessary for traffic control or if they significantly interfere with the message being communicated.
A permit cannot be denied simply because the event is controversial or will express unpopular views.
If permit rules require a fee, they should also allow waivers for those who cannot afford the charge.
Remember, your rights are at their strongest when they’re being exercised in “traditional public forums,” according to the ACLU of Kentucky.
These include streets, sidewalks and parks. It could also include other types of public property, such as the plaza in front of a government building. As long as access to the building isn’t blocked and there’s no interference with what the property is for, protests there are OK, per the ACLU of Kentucky.
Of course, private property owners can set their own rules for free speech that takes place on their property. The government cannot restrict your speech if it’s taking place on private property with the owner’s permission.
What should you do if the police stop you at a protest?
If you’re stopped by the police while attending a protest, try to keep a cool head.
The ACLU of Kentucky advises against arguing, running, resisting or obstructing officers — even if they are violating your rights. Those battles have to be fought in the courts and doing any of those things could potentially hurt your case.
You might wonder whether you have to show your identification to police who ask for it at a protest. According to Cooper, the answer to that question is no. It’s a completely different situation from being pulled over while driving.
“They cannot demand that you hand over your ID simply because you are physically at a protest,” Cooper said.
When interacting with the police, remember you have the right to remain silent but you have to state out loud that you’re exercising that right.
You also do not have to give police permission to search your person or your belongings without a search warrant. This includes demands to let police look through your phone, according to the ACLU of Kentucky.
Police may pat you down if they suspect you possess a weapon, but it’s generally best to avoid consenting to searches. It may not stop police, but it can help you later in any legal proceeding, according to the ACLU of Kentucky.
Remember, if you’re stopped by the police, ask if you’re being detained or if you’re free to go. If you’re free to go, walk away.
What should you do if you are arrested at a protest?
If you find yourself placed under arrest at a protest, you have a right to ask why.
Otherwise though, you should assert your right to remain silent and do so. Anything you say can be used against you. Don’t say or sign anything, the ACLU of Kentucky advises.
Ask to speak with a lawyer immediately. Additionally, you have a right to place one local phone call. Police cannot listen in on conversations with your lawyer, but they can for any other conversation, per the ACLU of Kentucky’s guidance on protester rights.
What should you do if your rights have been violated?
You should consult an attorney, but the ACLU of Kentucky also recommends taking the following actions:
Write it down. Write down everything you remember about the event, including the officers’ badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for.
Look for witnesses and get their contact information. They may be able to share what they saw if you take legal action.
If you were injured, seek medical attention and take photographs of your injuries.
File a complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or a civilian complaint board.
This story was originally published June 13, 2025 at 9:28 AM.