MEDFORD, Ore. (Mar. 28, 2026) — Thousands of people gathered along a major roadway in Medford on Saturday as part of the nationwide “No Kings III” demonstrations, joining coordinated events across the United States focused on political power, civil liberties and the role of government.
An estimated 5,000 participants lined Biddle Road just east of downtown, with the crowd stretching approximately two miles between Hawthorne Park and Morrow Road. Sidewalks were filled with demonstrators holding signs, waving flags and chanting, while passing motorists intermittently honked or signaled their reactions as they drove through the area.
The Medford gathering was one of many held March 28 under the “No Kings III” banner, a movement that organizers say is intended to highlight concerns about the concentration of executive authority and to encourage civic engagement. Events were reported in cities and towns across the country, as well as in nearby Southern Oregon communities including Jacksonville, Ashland and Grants Pass.
Protesters in Medford displayed a wide range of messages reflecting diverse political and social issues. Some signs expressed support for reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ and transgender equality, and Palestinian causes. Others called for government transparency, stronger checks and balances, and increased voter participation.
Many attendees carried signs critical of President Donald Trump, while others framed the demonstration more broadly as support for democratic institutions and civic accountability. Some participants also voiced opposition for the current conflict involving Iran and expressed support for continued legal action related to the Epstein case. Calls for impeachment of the president were also visible among some signs, though specific reasons were often not detailed.
At the same time, individuals who disagreed with the protest’s message were present in smaller numbers, primarily in passing vehicles. Some motorists displayed pro-Trump flags or signaled opposition to the demonstrators as they drove along Biddle Road. While no organized counterprotest was observed, differing viewpoints were visible throughout the event.
Supporters of the protest said the demonstration was an opportunity to express concerns about government overreach and to advocate for civil liberties and democratic norms. Some participants said public demonstrations remain an important way for individuals to engage in the political process and draw attention to issues they believe are significant.
Others, however, view such protests differently. Critics of the “No Kings” movement and similar demonstrations argue that the characterization of executive power as excessive is overstated and that existing constitutional systems — including Congress and the courts — provide checks on presidential authority. Some also contend that large-scale protests can contribute to political polarization, particularly when messaging focuses heavily on opposition to a single political figure or party.
Despite the range of viewpoints, the event remained peaceful throughout the afternoon. The Medford Police Department maintained a presence in the area, assisting with traffic control and monitoring the large gathering. Officers conducted routine traffic stops for unrelated violations and helped manage congestion along nearby roads. Authorities reported no arrests, injuries or major disturbances.
The atmosphere was largely calm and, at times, upbeat. Demonstrators waved a mix of American and rainbow flags, played music from portable speakers and interacted with passing traffic. A small number of participants wore costumes, including inflatable outfits and masks, adding a lighter tone to parts of the gathering.
A visible presence of attendees wore clothing or carried signage associated with ORD2 Indivisible, a Democratic advocacy group active in Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District that promotes civic engagement and participation in government processes.
By midafternoon, the crowd began to disperse. Around 1:45 p.m., many participants were leaving the area, and police and volunteer organizers directed traffic to help clear the corridor safely.
Organizers had estimated ahead of time that attendance could reach as many as 10,000 people. Observers on the ground placed the turnout at roughly half that number, still making it one of the larger public demonstrations in Medford this year.
Nationwide, “No Kings III” events drew participants with a range of perspectives but shared an emphasis on civic involvement. In Medford, the demonstration reflected both strong engagement from participants and visible, if more limited, expressions of opposing viewpoints, all unfolding without significant incident.
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