06.14.2025: No Kings Rally in Syracuse

There was debate as to whether a political protest should be covered here, but the times demand it. An event that draws thousands is as if not more important to cover as a concert of an up an comer or a well known headliner. Don't like it? Well, you're not paying for this, so feel free to x out of this tab and go back to shopping on Amazon.

The organizers suggest people arrive early, and arrive they did. At it's peak the crowd lined the sidewalks 5-10 people deep from along Hiawatha near Destiny USA and all the way down Solar Street almost to where it meets Court Street. All ages colors and creeds were represented. Syracuse's creativity and artistry was out in full force. The protestors' regalia ranged from simple messages scrawled on paper with a sharpies to full costumes with makeup and props.

Solar Street was heavily trafficked as well with cars honking in support, and often holding signs out of sunroofs or cheering from the windows. The event was peaceful. The only visible police presence was at the entrances to the mall. Syracuse PD was on hand keeping protestors from protesting on the private property of the mall. They were in uniform, unmasked and seemed relaxed. There was no sign of wearing riot gear or military fatigues. The was only one minor incident of which The Seen is aware. A black Jeep Wrangler with several flags including a large pro-Trump flag which had made multiple passes through the area, the driver jeering at the crowd, stopped at a traffic light and a protestor attempted to steal the flag. Its unknown at this time what happened to the flag although the Jeep was later seen continuing to make passes along the protest route, sans Trump flag.

Congressman John Mannion made an appearance. Fresh and fiery from his hot-mic moment on Capital Hill, he stalked up and down the road addressing the crowd with an American flag held high in one hand and a bullhorn in the other. He railed against the Trump administration, and praised the crowd for standing up for their beliefs and was well received, with each line drawing cheers and applause.

If you're scared or outraged by recent events, you should have been there. You'd have seen that you are very much NOT alone. If you're happy with recent events, (and congrats to you for making it past the first paragraph), it's not too late to start to stand up as we did in grade school and demand our leaders start to honor the full text of that daily pledge: "One nation...with LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!"

Were you seen? See all the photos here:

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