BLACK MOUNTAIN – Organizers estimate more than 600 people gathered in Town Square for Black Mountain’s “No Kings” protest June 14. Swannanoa Valley residents lined the sides of Town Square and filtered through the interior, most carrying signs conveying their disappointment with President Donald Trump and the federal government.

Over 1000 people gathered at the Bicentennial Mall State Park June 14 for the No Kings protest, a nationwide movement with around 2000 events across the country. The event was lively and peaceful, with groups of musicians leading a number of chants and dance circles forming on the lawn.

A suspect was arrested in connection with threats made against state lawmakers who planned to attend Saturday's "No Kings" protest at the Texas Capitol in Austin, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Townsend, a hair stylist in Cheney, Wash., never considered herself very political until she read the conservative blueprint Project 2025 last fall. Since President Trump’s inauguration in January, she’s attended seven protests in nearby Spokane.