In Flagstaff, nearly 1,600 demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to the Trump administration, coinciding with the anniversary of the first shots of the American Revolution 250 years ago.
This rally was part of a wave of protests, with events taking place in 14 locations across Arizona and nearly 700 gatherings nationwide, including all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Karen Mahosky, a Flagstaff resident, captured the spirit of the day with her sign stating “no kings,” reflecting on the 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord. She remarked, “We fought our revolutionary war to get out from under a monarchy. They want us to feel overwhelmed so that we just give up. But we can’t give up. Democracy is too important. We’ve had many people in the past die for what they’re trying to destroy.”
Mahosky, a frequent attendee of such rallies this year, expressed her concerns, saying, “Because we’re losing our government, our traditional democracy. It’s very scary what’s happening right now. We’ve been retired; we have always been involved in our community. We’ve lived here for over 40 years and we need to be good citizens and we need to stand up for what we believe is right.”
Organizers of the protest drew parallels between the administration’s recent tariffs and the 18th-century British taxes on tea, arguing that American values, such as the right to due process, are being undermined.
Flagstaff City Councilmember Austin Aslan highlighted the financial implications of reduced federal grant funding on local projects. He stated, “You know, I’ve been elected to fix potholes. I know my place. But fixing potholes requires federal funds. That’s how we get it done.” He further added, “We’re already in our budget process and I will tell you in my six years on City Council, we have brought in well over $60 million in federal funding for the city. A lot of the projects that are going on right now have those funds tied up.”
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