A protest called “No Kings” is potentially set for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 12 PM at the Huntington Beach Pier. It’s part of a nationwide movement against authoritarianism, timed with President Donald Trump’s birthday and a military parade in Washington, D.C. on Flag Day. Five years ago, a George Floyd protest at the same pier turned violent, with arrests and police using pepper balls. That history warns this event could escalate, and police must be ready to keep the peace.
The “No Kings” protest aims to reject what organizers call authoritarian policies, including deportations, civil rights attacks, and government overreach. The movement, backed by groups like the 50501 Movement and Indivisible, plans rallies across all 50 states. Its website, nokings.org, calls for nonviolent action, with events at courthouses, parks, and city halls. In Huntington Beach, the pier is the confirmed location, but local details like expected turnout or specific organizers remain unclear. A “Know Your Rights” training on June 10 and a prep call on June 12 suggest protesters are planning carefully, emphasizing peaceful defiance. Yet, the lack of specifics about the local event raises concerns about coordination and crowd control.
Huntington Beach has seen protests go both ways. On May 31, 2020, about 500 people gathered at the pier to honor George Floyd, chanting “Black Lives Matter” and holding signs saying “End Racism.” A smaller group of counter-protesters, some identified as Trump supporters, also arrived. The event began peacefully but grew tense with verbal arguments and physical scuffles between attendees, leading to assaults. Some individuals blocked Pacific Coast Highway, and police reported others carrying weapons like pepper spray or rocks. Officers declared an unlawful assembly, fired pepper balls, and made arrests. Businesses boarded up, fearing looting seen elsewhere in Southern California. In contrast, a June 5, 2020, protest led by teenagers at Worthy Park stayed peaceful. About 200 people knelt for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, symbolizing Floyd’s death, with no reported violence. These events show protests here can be calm but also turn chaotic when conflicts arise.
The “No Kings” protest carries risks of escalation. Its anti-Trump message may draw counter-protesters, as seen in 2020, when opposing groups clashed at the pier. Some reports from 2020 noted agitators, including locals and out-of-state actors, who fueled violence or property damage at protests nationwide. Huntington Beach’s political divide could heighten tensions, sparking confrontations. The national scale of the protest, with events in over 1,400 locations, increases the chance of miscommunication or disruptions. In 2020, Huntington Beach saw police struggle to manage crowds, with traffic halted and businesses on edge. Political tensions today remain high, making a repeat of 2020’s chaos possible.
Police need a strong plan to prevent trouble. In 2020, they used riot gear, pepper balls, and curfews to control the May 31 protest, while the June 5 event required minimal intervention. A clear strategy is essential: enough officers to manage crowds, quick response to violence, and fair enforcement to avoid claims of bias. During the 2020 George Floyd protests, 96,000 National Guard members were deployed nationwide, showing the scale of response needed when protests grow volatile. Huntington Beach police faced criticism for declaring the Floyd protest unlawful while allowing a stay-at-home protest weeks earlier, highlighting the need for consistent policing. No official statements on 2025 preparations have surfaced, but the department must anticipate counter-protesters and traffic disruptions, especially on a busy summer day at the pier.
Protests are a democratic right, but safety comes first. The “No Kings” event could be peaceful, like the 2020 teen-led march, or it could mirror the violent clashes at the pier. Residents should stay informed, avoid the area if possible, and report any trouble. Police must be vigilant, with clear plans to protect the community. Huntington Beach’s past shows what’s at stake. Let’s hope for calm but prepare for the worst.