‘Exercising my freedom’: Hundreds attend second No Kings protest in downtown Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — For the second time this year, thousands of people came together outside the State Capitol to demand change under the banner of the No Kings protest.

“When I see our rights being infringed upon, we have to voice our opinion and this is part of it,” Elgin Hunt said.

SEE ALSO: Thousands line the streets of downtown Lincoln for the No Kings protest

Organizers say they’re frustrated with President Donald Trump’s administration.

Across the nation, more than 2,500 demonstrations are taking place in every state on Saturday.

“I feel that what is happening is unconstitutional,” Christine Duncan said. “I feel that we need to show that we are not scared of the government and that we need to stand up for what we believe in. I believe that people should have healthcare, everybody should have control over their bodies and I believe that we all deserve to feel safe.”

SEE ALSO: NOW Citizen Journalists share videos of No Kings protest in downtown Lincoln

The first No Kings protest happened in June, with thousands lining O Street in downtown Lincoln.

And Saturday was no different.

Protestors held up hundreds of signs, all with one message: power belongs to the people.

And those who passed by honked their horn in support.

“I’m proud to be here to represent our age group,” Connie Strohmyer said. “At this point in our lives, we care so much about the things that are going wrong with our government. We also care about Nebraska and the things here that we see that are going wrong.”

At the center of the protest, many speakers had the chance to share their stories.

And for a lot of those who attended, this was personal.

“I’m a mother, I’m a grandmother,” Lynetta Barg said. “I’m very concerned about what’s happening in our country. I feel like it’s trying to be taken over by wannabe dictators. I want a future for my children and my grandchildren. I think every person in this world has rights and we’re all human. So I’m here to stand up for human rights and exercising my freedom.”

SEE ALSO: NOW Citizen Journalists at No Kings Day Protests Nationwide

Channel 8 reached out to Nebraska Rep. Mike Flood for his response to the protests happening across the U.S.:

“For three weeks, Washington liberals led by Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer have kept the federal government shut down to appease their far-left base. This weekend, Chuck Schumer will join one of the rallies in D.C. organized by people who have cheered on his government shutdown. It’s time for Democrats to do the right thing for their country and to join Republicans and vote to open the government,” Flood said in the statement.