PHOTOS: Protesters gather at South Carolina Statehouse for 'No Kings' protest

A "No Kings" Protest occurred on the Statehouse grounds on Oct. 18, 2025, as thousands of people gathered in protest of the current presidential administration's actions. Many dressed in inflatable costumes and carried signs that read "Rage against the regime" alongside other colorful messages. This event, which has been in the works for a month, saw different people of all ages and ethnicities advocating for the same message that argues for positive changes going forward.

A protester carries a sign that says “No Kings Since 1776” at a "No Kings" protest in Columbia, South Carolina on Oct. 18, 2025. This references the year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Protesters wave signs and American flags at a "No Kings" protest in Columbia, South Carolina on Oct. 18, 2025. The president’s Republican Party allies have claimed the protests are anti-American.

A crowd of protesters march to the governor’s mansion during a "No Kings" protest in Columbia, South Carolina on Oct. 18, 2025. While not officially associated with any political party, the "No Kings" protests are opposed to Donald Trump and those aligned with him in the Republican Party, including South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.

A protester holds a sign stating “Democracy dies while Trump lies” at a "No Kings" protest in Columbia, South Carolina on Oct. 18, 2025. The "No Kings" protests are broadly opposed to President Donald Trump and his policies.

A protester in an inflatable T. Rex costume waves an American flag at a "No Kings" protest in Columbia, South Carolina on Oct. 18, 2025. Other protestors wearing inflatable costumes can be seen in the background.

A protester wearing a pumpkin on his head refers to himself as the "National Gourd" at a "No Kings" protest in Columbia, South Carolina on Oct. 18, 2025. He offers pumpkin pie to other protesters and holds a sign that says, "Call up the National Gourd not the National Guard."

A protester dressed as Batman speaks to the crowd at a "No Kings" protest in Columbia, South Carolina on Oct. 18, 2025. The "Downtown Batman" is a self-proclaimed “real-life superhero” who gives food, water and clothing to the homeless in Greenville, South Carolina.

A protester waves the flag of South Carolina at a "No Kings" protest in Columbia, South Carolina on Oct. 18, 2025. The "No Kings" protests are broadly opposed to President Donald Trump and his policies.