MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene and Walpole saw some of the Monadnock Region’s largest turnouts Saturday as thousands across New Hampshire joined the second round of “No Kings” demonstrations — nationwide protests denouncing what organizers describe as President Donald Trump’s “authoritarian power grabs.”

In Keene, roughly 600 people gathered at three separate sites — about 375 at Ladies Wildwood Park at the corner of Park Avenue and Arch Street, and 100 each at the Route 101 (Redfern) bridge and Route 9 (North) bridge, organizers said.

Just up Route 12, Walpole hosted an even larger crowd of about 1,000 people along Main Street and the town common. The protests were among more than two dozen held statewide, with Concord drawing several thousand to the State House lawn. Organizers said millions participated nationally.

According to a statement on the group’s website, NoKings.org, “America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people.”

Saturday’s events marked the second wave of “No Kings” demonstrations, following a similar series in June that drew about 5,000 to 8,000 participants in Concord and thousands more across the Granite State.

The Keene and Walpole gatherings remained peaceful throughout the afternoon. Local police in both towns were made aware of the events and maintained a light presence to ensure traffic safety. No arrests were reported.

New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte had previously encouraged participants to express their views lawfully and peacefully, a message echoed by local officials ahead of the rallies.

Republican House Majority Leader Jason Osborne criticized the movement in a weekend statement, calling the protests “misdirected energy” and suggesting that demonstrators focus instead on “real issues like crime and immigration.”

Organizers countered that the movement’s broader mission extends beyond opposing Trump personally. They say the rallies aim to unite people concerned about threats to democratic institutions, civil liberties, and government accountability.

Across New Hampshire, “No Kings” protests also took place in towns including Claremont, Jaffrey, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Hanover, and Manchester.

For more details about the movement and upcoming events, visit NoKings.org.