Tragedy in Minnesota Casts Shadow Over Atlanta Demonstration

Liberal organizers flooded downtown Atlanta this weekend for a protest branded as “No Kings Day”, aimed squarely at former President Donald Trump. Though billed as peaceful, critics say the event stirred unnecessary division and dangerously heightened tensions in an already volatile political climate.

“We went and we talked with local officials and law enforcement to make sure this is a safe and permitted, peaceful rally… We’ve done everything right using our First Amendment.”
— Laura Judge, Indivisible Georgia Coalition volunteer/activist.

July 4th: America’s Real “No King Day”

If protest organizers had simply waited a few weeks, they might have found common ground with millions of Americans. July 4th has always stood as our national No Kings Day—the anniversary of our rejection of King George III and the founding of a republic built on liberty, not tyranny.

But instead, activists staged their rally on Flag Day, a moment intended to honor the symbol of American unity. The timing and tone of the protest were unmistakably partisan.

State Lawmaker Murdered Days Before Protest

Just days before the Atlanta event, a horrifying act of violence unfolded in Minnesota. A far-right gunman murdered State Representative Melissa Hortman, the former Speaker of the Minnesota House, and her husband Mark Hortman. Authorities say the suspect was motivated by escalating political hostility and extremist rhetoric.

While there’s no direct connection to the Atlanta protest, the parallels are troubling—especially when activists continue to use fiery language that can ignite unstable individuals.

Familiar Chaos in Atlanta

Organizers like Laura Judge, a local Cobb County activist with Indivisible Georgia Coalition, insisted their protest was peaceful and well-coordinated. She pointed to more than 100 volunteers, medics, and marshals trained in de-escalation.

But Atlanta has heard those promises before.

In 2020, a similarly “peaceful” protest in the city spiraled into burned police vehicles, looting, and clouds of tear gas.

Gov. Brian Kemp has made it clear that violence will not be tolerated, promising “heavy accountability.”

Attorney General Chris Carr warned any violent acts could lead to domestic terrorism charges—carrying prison terms of up to 35 years.

Protest Leaders Preach Peace—But Is Anyone Listening?

Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin and MoveOn spokesperson Britt Jacovich cautioned attendees to avoid violence, claiming Trump wants chaos for political gain. But their words may have been too little, too late.

For Melissa Hortman, and the nation she served, those warnings came too late.