FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHOENIX, AZ — October 14, 2025 — A 14-mile stretch of Bell Road will fill with thousands of peaceful protesters this Saturday, October 18, from 9–11 a.m., as the “No Kings” movement returns to Arizona’s 8th District in a district-wide day of action rejecting authoritarianism and standing up for democracy. The demonstrations also call out Rep. Abe Hamadeh’s alignment with Donald Trump’s authoritarian agenda and his ongoing absence from the district he represents.
The coordinated demonstrations will include 10 sites across Anthem, North Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, and Surprise, with seven protest locations in five cities along Bell Road, including a caravan of dozens of decorated vehicles decked out in flags and handmade “No Kings” signs traveling between sites. The event forms a powerful, unified message of peaceful defiance through the heart of Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.
The event is organized by five local grassroots groups — Northwest Valley Indivisible, Desert Progressives, Stand Up Together, Big Blue Bubble, and Anthem Indivisible — who expect turnout to rival or exceed June 14’s “No Kings” protests, the largest demonstration ever held in CD-8, which drew over 5,700 participants.
“This isn’t just about politics; it’s about democracy and the economic survival of ordinary Americans,” said Brent Peak, co-chair of Northwest Valley Indivisible. “Trump’s policies are enriching his billionaire buddies while families in our district struggle with the rising costs of food, housing, and healthcare. We’re showing up to say we refuse to be ruled by a wannabe king surrounded by loyalists.”
The No Kings movement began as a nationwide rejection of Donald Trump’s authoritarian behavior and his economic policies that reward billionaires while making life harder for working families. In Arizona’s 8th District, organizers say Rep. Abe Hamadeh has mirrored those same priorities, serving as a rubber stamp for Trump’s agenda and failing to make a single public appearance in the district since being sworn in last January.
Safety & Coordination:
Event leaders have proactively coordinated with law enforcement in each city to ensure a peaceful, lawful environment for all participants. Organizers welcome a visible police presence and emphasize that the protests are family-friendly and nonviolent.
Nonviolence Commitment (from NoKings.org):
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.
DETAILS & RSVP: Protest site information and sign-up links are available at NoKings.org.