‘No Kings’ rallies planned across Mid-Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Protesters in Mid-Missouri are joining a national movement this weekend, rallying against what they call authoritarianism and unjust immigration practices.

The demonstration is part of a coordinated “No Kings” effort taking place in cities across the country, timed to coincide with President Donald Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the Army’s 250th birthday.

More than 1,500 demonstrations are planned nationwide as part of the ongoing “No Kings” movement.

Locally, rallies will be held Saturday afternoon at the Boone County Courthouse Plaza in Columbia, the State Capitol in Jefferson City, and the Cooper County Courthouse in Boonville.

Mark Haim with Mid-Missouri Peace Works is the organizer of the rally being held at the Boone County Courthouse Plaza.

Boone County Sheriff’s Captain Brian Leer says they are aware of the planned events and have been in communication with the Columbia Police Department.

However, Leer says the sheriff’s office does not plan to assign uniformed deputies to the protest at this time.

"We will be monitoring up to and during the event for any intel to the contrary, but our hope is that the event will be peaceful," Leer added in an email Wednesday morning.

Check back for updates.