'No Kings Day' in Oklahoma: Why organizers say they're protesting

On June 14, progressive organizers in Oklahoma plan peaceful protests in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, coinciding with Donald Trump’s birthday, Flag Day, and the U.S. Army’s anniversary, aiming to challenge perceived authoritarianism and advocate for democratic values.

Friday, June 13th 2025, 11:26 am

By: David Prock

Organizers in Oklahoma are preparing for a series of peaceful protests on Saturday as part of the national “No Kings Day” movement. The movement, they say, is aimed at defending democracy and rejecting what it calls authoritarian trends under President Donald Trump.

Demonstrations are scheduled to take place in downtown Tulsa and at Oklahoma City Hall, coinciding with three symbolic milestones: President Trump’s 79th birthday, Flag Day, and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

Organizers say the date is no coincidence. NoKings.org, the website dedicated to the demonstrations, states:

“On June 14—Flag Day—President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else.”

Events have been coordinated in 2,000 cities across the country, with several in Oklahoma beyond Tulsa and Oklahoma City., These local events are coordinated in Oklahoma by various groups, including Indivisible Oklahoma and 50501OK.

Leaders of the movement say the protests are in opposition to expanded immigration enforcement, increased police militarization, and other policies they believe erode democratic norms.

No Kings Day: A Message of "Defiance", But Also of Peace

Organizers describe “No Kings Day” as a “day of defiance” designed to reclaim patriotic symbols they feel have been politicized.

“The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,” the movement’s official site states. “We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it.”

In Oklahoma City, the No Kings OKC march and rally will begin Saturday morning on the steps of City Hall. In a joint statement, organizers said they’ve taken “careful steps” to ensure a peaceful and lawful event.

“We have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” said a joint statement from Indivisible Oklahoma and 50501OK. “We’ve organized this demonstration with a focus on standing in community and defending democracy.”

Indivisible Oklahoma and 50501OK have published a “Joint Commitment to Nonviolence,” encouraging attendees to stay calm, avoid confrontation with counter-protesters, and follow the guidance of legal observers and event marshals.

In Tulsa, three separate events are planned with one downtown at the Tulsa County Courthouse, one at 41st and Yale, and a third in the Woodland Hills Mall area. (More information below)

No Kings Day protests: A Divided Climate, but a Clear Message

While the events are meant to be peaceful, their tone is directed toward the President, whose birthday falls on the same day.

“We’re not gathering to feed his ego. We’re building a movement that leaves him behind,” the national No Kings statement reads.

Oklahoma, a state known for its conservative leanings and strong support for law enforcement, has seen friction over protests in the past. In 2021, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed legislation granting civil and criminal immunity to drivers who unintentionally injure protesters while fleeing a “riot.”

The law drew criticism from civil liberties groups but was defended by Republican lawmakers as a measure to protect public safety.

State officials said they are prepared for Saturday’s demonstrations. The Department of Public Safety confirmed troopers will be on standby and ready to assist local agencies if needed.

“We want people to be able to peacefully protest,” said Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton. “But if a protest were to turn violent or destructive, we’ll respond immediately to stop unlawful activity.”

Where are the 'No Kings' Protests In Oklahoma

The Tulsa events will take place in multiple locations throughout the city, with protestors encouraged to wear patriotic colors and bring signs supporting civil liberties, immigration justice, and democratic reform.

Both cities are expected to see heightened law enforcement visibility throughout the day. The protests remain scheduled as of Friday evening.

Full list of Oklahoma events