Bluffton, September 21, 2025
News Summary
In Bluffton, South Carolina, over 1,000 attendees gathered for the ‘No Kings’ rally, voicing their dissent against President Trump’s policies. Organized by local groups, the event also featured a food drive supporting local food banks amid cuts to SNAP benefits. The rally showcased a strong community presence and highlighted concerns regarding political accountability. Despite the emotionally charged atmosphere, the protests remained largely peaceful, with a few arrests made for violating state laws on masking.
Bluffton, South Carolina – Thousands Attend “No Kings” Rally and Food Drive
On Saturday, June 14, more than 1,000 individuals gathered outside the Beaufort County Municipal Offices in Bluffton for the “No Kings” rally, organized by local groups Lowcountry Indivisible and the Beaufort County Democratic Party. The rally aimed to protest President Donald Trump’s alleged defiance of court orders and disregard for the U.S. Constitution. The event took place from 4 to 6 p.m., having started early due to incoming rain.
In conjunction with the rally, a food drive was held to support local food banks following cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Hundreds of pounds of food were collected during the event, highlighting a community effort to assist those in need during challenging times.
The rally took place on the same day as President Trump’s scheduled $45 million personal birthday parade in Washington, D.C. Organizers believed the event showcased a significant level of activism and community engagement that had previously been unseen in Beaufort County. The crowd represented a diverse group, including seniors, LGBTQ supporters, and a notably strong attendance of young individuals.
Attendees had varying reasons for their participation, with many expressing concerns about political leadership and policies, particularly regarding issues like immigration. The structure of the protests was designed to ensure visible opposition to current government actions.
During the protests, four individuals were arrested in Hilton Head and Bluffton for violating a state statute against masking. Among those arrested were Donald Edwards and Gael Merida in Hilton Head, and Brad Hart and Brian Crane in Bluffton.
Ana Ramirez, a longtime resident of Beaufort County, shared her concerns about fear within the community and emphasized the importance of youth involvement in protests to foster change and progress. This rally and food drive aimed not only to express dissent against current political actions but also to build a sense of solidarity and community support during tough times.
As the protests unfolded, the atmosphere was largely peaceful yet charged with emotion, as participants voiced their concerns about the future of their community and country.
Event Summary
- Event: “No Kings” rally and food drive
- Date: June 14
- Location: Beaufort County Municipal Offices, Bluffton, SC
- Attendance: Over 1,000 participants
- Food collected: Hundreds of pounds for local food banks
- Arrests: 4 individuals for violating a state statute against masking
- Organizers: Lowcountry Indivisible and Beaufort County Democratic Party
Background Context
The “No Kings” rally was a response to growing frustrations regarding President Trump’s approach to governance. Participants raised their voices against what they view as a lack of accountability and adherence to constitutional principles by the President. The food drive component aligned with the rally’s mission, seeking to address local needs while advocating for broader social issues.
This type of grassroots mobilization is increasingly common across the United States, as communities unite to express their discontent and support one another, especially in light of policy changes affecting vulnerable populations.
FAQ
- What was the purpose of the “No Kings” rally?
- The rally protested President Donald Trump’s defiance of court orders and alleged disregard for the Constitution.
- Who organized the “No Kings” rally?
- The rally was organized by local groups Lowcountry Indivisible and the Beaufort County Democratic Party.
- What additional event accompanied the rally?
- A food drive was held alongside the rally to support local food banks in response to cuts in SNAP benefits.
- How many people attended the rally?
- Over 1,000 participants attended the rally in Bluffton.
- Were there any arrests during the protests?
- Yes, four individuals were arrested during the protests across Hilton Head and Bluffton for violating a state statute against masking.
Event Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rally Name | No Kings Rally |
| Date | June 14 |
| Location | Beaufort County Municipal Offices, Bluffton, SC |
| Attendance | Over 1,000 participants |
| Food Drive | Collected hundreds of pounds for local food banks |
| Arrests | Four individuals arrested |
| Organizers | Lowcountry Indivisible and Beaufort County Democratic Party |
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Beaufort Dems Plan “No Kings” Rally
- Bluffton Today: “No Kings” Protest Draws Over 1,000
- Charleston City Paper: South Carolina May Get 2 New Members of Congress
- Count on 2: Mac Deford Announces Run for SC Congressional Seat
- WITN: Republicans, Democrats React to Thom Tillis Announcing Retirement
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- Google Search: Backlash against Trump
- Google Scholar: Grassroots Mobilization
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Voter Participation
- Google News: Trump Rally Protests
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.
