Beaufort, South Carolina, October 18, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort, South Carolina, will see a significant protest on October 18 as part of the No Kings demonstrations. Aimed at rejecting authoritarianism and corporate overreach, the peaceful event is expected to draw large crowds. Protests will be held at over 2,500 locations across the U.S., promoting family-friendly participation. Safety measures will be in place, including local police presence, as communities prepare for this significant movement against the erosion of democracy.
Beaufort, South Carolina is set to host a significant protest event on October 18 as part of the No Kings demonstrations occurring nationwide. The aim of these protests is to peacefully reject authoritarianism, corporate overreach, and the erosion of democracy. With over 2,500 planned locations across the United States, large crowds of protesters are expected, driven by increasing opposition against the perceived authoritarian practices of President Donald Trump.
The protest in Beaufort will take place in front of City Hall from noon to 1 p.m., while an additional protest will occur at the Beaufort County Government Center in Bluffton. Both locations will have a police presence provided by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office to ensure safety and order during the events.
Participants are encouraged to join in a family-friendly manner, with the core goal of promoting peaceful demonstrations open to individuals of all ages. Masks will only be permitted for those with a medical condition requiring it; however, Halloween masks are not allowed. This is in accordance with South Carolina and Georgia laws that ban individuals from wearing facial coverings that obstruct their identity.
Additional protests are also slated to occur in neighboring communities, including Savannah, Richmond Hill, Statesboro, and Rincon. Organizers of the No Kings protests have described previous events as patriotic fights for First Amendment rights. However, some political figures have labeled these demonstrations as “Hate America” rallies, illustrating the polarized views surrounding them.
The last No Kings protest occurred on June 14, 2025, coinciding with Trump’s birthday and a military parade marking the Army’s anniversary. While the event featured isolated confrontations, the protests largely remained peaceful. However, there were incidents of police using tear gas and crowd-control measures in certain locations. Tragically, one protester was shot by a volunteer who mistakenly perceived him as a threat during that protest.
Ahead of the upcoming demonstrations, House Speaker Mike Johnson characterized the event as the “Hate America rally” during a news conference, signaling the ongoing tensions between protesters and politicians. In light of these events, some state leaders, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have activated the National Guard as a precautionary measure. California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed hopes for a peaceful turnout in his state, indicating concerns that Trump may aim to exploit any disruptions that may occur during the protests.
The No Kings nationwide protests seek to gather between five and seven million participants. Organizers have emphasized nonviolence as a core principle, with a ban on weapons at all events. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has clarified that permits are not necessary for protests unless they obstruct traffic or public access, and it reassured participants of their rights to record activities in public spaces, subject to specific regulations in one-party consent states like South Carolina.
To prepare for the protests, communities are hosting sign-making events, including one scheduled at the Beaufort County Democratic Party Office on October 17. The organizers aim to foster an environment that champions both democracy and the right to peaceful assembly.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the No Kings protests on October 18?
The No Kings protests are designed to peacefully reject authoritarianism, corporate overreach, and the erosion of democracy.
How many protest locations are planned nationwide?
Protests are planned for over 2,500 locations across the U.S.
Where will the Beaufort protest take place?
The protest in Beaufort will take place in front of City Hall from noon to 1 p.m. on October 18.
What are the rules regarding masks at the protests?
Participants can wear masks only if they have a medical condition requiring it; however, Halloween masks are not permitted.
What is the goal of the nationwide protests?
The goal of the protests is to promote family-friendly demonstrations open to all.
What happened at the previous No Kings protest?
The previous No Kings protest occurred on June 14, 2025, primarily against a military parade and coinciding with Trump’s birthday, with some isolated confrontations but largely remaining peaceful.
Key Features of the No Kings Protests
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To peacefully reject authoritarianism, corporate overreach, and the erosion of democracy. |
| Nationwide Locations | Over 2,500 locations planned across the U.S. |
| Beaufort Protest Details | City Hall from noon to 1 p.m. on October 18. |
| Mask Regulations | Masks for medical conditions only; Halloween masks not allowed. |
| Projected Participation | Between 5 and 7 million participants nationwide. |
| Last Protest Date | June 14, 2025. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Upcoming ‘No Kings’ Protests Scheduled in South Carolina
No Kings Rally Planned in Beaufort
Beaufort County Gears Up for Municipal Elections
Hilton Head Island Football Team Dominates Bishop England
Impact of Federal Government Shutdown in Beaufort County
Bluffton and Beaufort Celebrate Fall with Community Events
Updated Rip Current Warning for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County
Beaufort County Deputy Terminated After Altercation with Teens
Sheriff’s Deputy Fired After Confronting Teens with Gun
Beaufort Deputy Fired After Pointing Gun at Teenagers
Additional Resources
- WJCL: No Kings Day Savannah, Beaufort, Bluffton
- Your Island News: No Kings Protest Set for Saturday in Beaufort
- Island Packet: Beaufort News Article
- ABC News 4: Multiple No Kings Protests Planned
- WSAV: Beaufort Demonstrators Come Out for No Kings Protest
- Wikipedia: Protest
- Google Search: No Kings Protest
- Google Scholar: No Kings Protests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protests
- Google News: No Kings Protest
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
