York City No Kings rally protests Trump policies in Continental Square

Prior to Saturday’s No Kings rally in York City’s Continental Square, Colbey Miskech had never felt compelled to come the first two times they held such demonstrations.

Recent events, such as ICE raids happening in the country and lack of transparency by the government in regard to the Epstein files, were enough to stand with dozens of others protesting the policies of President Donald Trump.

“There’s a lot more change that needs to go on around here,” Miskech said, “not just this local area but the United States in general. We need to bring a lot more change.”

Miskech said before this one, he really didn’t know similar rallies were held in York County previously.

“I drove through Washington, D.C. during the most recent one and I didn’t know how many people were willing to bring these ideas out into the light,” he said. “It’s nice knowing there are like-minded individuals around here, so I thought it was time I came out of the shadows myself.”

Protesters in York County joined millions of others across the country for No Kings rallies on Saturday. More than 3,000 similar events were planned in cities across the country.

This is the third in a series of rallies against the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies since he was sworn in last January. No Kings protests took place across the country in June and October of last year.

Saturday’s rally was also the first for Rachel Berkebile and her mother Gretchen Smith. Berkebile said she and her mother were compelled to come to the rally by their Christian faith.

“We believe love and respect of your neighbor is of most importance,” Berkebile said, “and we don’t think our nation is following those ideals right now.”

Berkebile said being able to exercise their rights was the most compelling reason to come and stand with others in protest.

“This is what we do in this country. Stand up for what’s right,” Berkebile said. “We want to make sure that our leaders hear from the people.”

Smith said she wanted to come to the last rally held in the square but missed it. She made sure she was present for this one.

Melissa Poff was in the square for her second rally. Poff said not much has changed since the last rally in October and is disgusted and disturbed by decisions being made by the leadership in the country.

“I feel you can’t complain unless you’re willing to get out and protest,” Poff said. “Hopefully, being here with people that are also discouraged and disturbed that it will show some of the people in charge there are enough people in this country that are not happy with the way things are.”

Poff said if enough people attend such rallies, maybe people in leadership positions will take notice and understand that people are not happy with the way things are.

“We’re hoping that for the midterm elections people will show up and vote, and we can get some of these people out of office that are ruining this country,” she said.