Beaufort, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort is set to host a No Kings rally on October 18th, with participants gathering at City Hall to peacefully protest against President Trump’s policies. This event is part of a nationwide movement expected to attract millions of participants, alongside similar protests in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. Leading up to the rally, a Sign Making Party will be held to encourage creative expressions of dissent. The ACLU supports free speech rights, but emphasizes awareness of local laws affecting protest activities.
Beaufort will host a No Kings rally on Saturday, October 18th, from noon to 1 p.m., in front of Beaufort City Hall at the intersection of Ribaut Road and Boundary Street. This local event is part of a nationwide movement expected to bring together between five and seven million participants across all 50 states and internationally. The protest aims to peacefully challenge the policies of President Donald Trump and his administration.
Other No Kings protests are planned for Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, allowing residents to join the national outcry for change. Organizers from Indivisible Beaufort emphasize the strength found in collective action and the necessity of fighting for democracy as pivotal themes for this peaceful gathering. This is not the first event of its kind, as the last national No Kings protest took place in June 2025.
Leading up to the rally, a No Kings Sign Making Party will take place on Friday, October 17th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Beaufort County Democratic Party Office, located at 39 Persimmon Street, Suite 201 in Bluffton. Participants are encouraged to create signs to express their messages during the Saturday assembly.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina affirms the importance of the First Amendment, which protects free speech, including controversial and offensive speech. However, authorities may impose certain restrictions on protests, such as requiring permits for large gatherings or regulating the use of amplifiers. The ACLU also highlights that freedom of speech is safeguarded in public forums, including streets, sidewalks, and parks.
In South Carolina, there exists a law that prohibits individuals over the age of 16 from wearing masks in public spaces that conceal their identities. This anti-mask law was established in 1962 to counteract Ku Klux Klan activities; it does not apply during health ordinances for events, such as those concerning COVID-19, but it remains enforceable in protest scenarios. The law was previously invoked when four protesters were arrested for wearing masks during the prior No Kings protest on June 14th.
Local law enforcement agencies must adhere to specific conduct guidelines before dispersing any protest, according to the ACLU. The No Kings movement promotes peaceful, nonviolent action at all its events, adopting a ban on weapons, even if they are legally permitted, while encouraging participants to engage in de-escalation of any confrontations.
In addition to Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head, other cities in South Carolina—including Charleston, Florence, Greenville, and Columbia—are also planning protests. Each event is dedicated to upholding a commitment to nonviolent action, reinforcing the movement’s overall mission to advocate peacefully for democratic values and policies.
For more information regarding the protests, participants can visit NoKings.org to learn about local initiatives and rally preparations.
FAQ
- What is the No Kings rally? The No Kings rally is a peaceful protest challenging the policies of President Donald Trump and his administration.
- When and where will the rally take place in Beaufort? The rally will take place on Saturday, October 18th, from noon to 1 p.m. in front of Beaufort City Hall at the intersection of Ribaut Road and Boundary Street.
- Will there be additional protests in other locations? Yes, there will be additional No Kings protests in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, as well as other cities in South Carolina, including Charleston, Florence, Greenville, and Columbia.
- How many participants are expected for the nationwide protest? National protests are expected to attract between five and seven million participants.
- Are there any restrictions on what participants can wear or carry? In South Carolina, individuals over the age of 16 are prohibited from wearing masks in public spaces that conceal their identities, and the No Kings movement bans weapons at its events.
- What is the ACLU’s stance on the protests? The ACLU of South Carolina underscores the First Amendment’s protection of speech, including during protests, but notes that officials may impose restrictions such as permit requirements.
Key Event Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | No Kings Rally |
| Date & Time | October 18, 2023, from noon to 1 p.m. |
| Location | Beaufort City Hall, Ribaut Road and Boundary Street |
| Expected Attendance | 5 to 7 million nationwide |
| Other Locations | Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Charleston, Florence, Greenville, Columbia |
| Sign Making Party | October 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Beaufort County Democratic Party Office |
| Key Goal | Challenge policies of President Trump peacefully |
| ACLU Involvement | Protecting free speech rights at protests |
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News
- Wikipedia: First Amendment to the United States Constitution
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Democracy
- ABC News 4
- Google News: No Kings protest
- WJCL News
- Google Search: ACLU
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.
