Over 50 individuals gathered in front of the Chattooga County Courthouse Saturday evening, participating in the nationwide “No Kings” rally to protest President Donald Trump and his administration. Hosted by the Chattooga County Democratic Party, organizers hailed the peaceful demonstration as the largest turnout of its kind in the area to date.

The two-hour demonstration saw protesters shouting, cheering, and waving signs in opposition to the current administration. The event attracted residents from not only Chattooga County but also neighboring Walker County, Georgia, and DeKalb County, Alabama.

Chattooga County Democratic Party Chair Cynthia Hubler emphasized the peaceful nature of the event in her invitation to local Democrats. “This is a peaceful protest,” Hubler stated. “Overwhelmingly, we have been getting positive feedback from drivers. Of course, a few give a finger salute, but most are happy to see us.”

In response to the protest, Chattooga County Republican Party Chair Meredith Rossan commented on social media, acknowledging the exercise of rights while stating her party’s stance. “Americans have the right to freedom of speech, but we will not be present to support their choices,” Rossan posted.

The protest’s turnout and location are particularly notable given Chattooga County’s recent political shifts. Historically a Democratic stronghold, the county overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump in the most recent presidential election where he was a candidate, garnering over 84% of the vote. This level of support for a presidential candidate has only been matched by Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Jimmy Carter – all Democrats – since the Civil War. The county’s local elections continued to lean Democratic until 2016, a period long after most other Northwest Georgia counties had shifted to all-GOP representation.

The Chattooga County event was part of a broader nationwide movement Saturday, with similar demonstrations taking place across the country against President Trump and his administration.