Massive 'No Kings' Protest Draws Over 150,000 to Boston Common

Nationwide demonstrations condemn Trump administration policies on free speech, Iran war, and immigration enforcement

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:06am

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More than 150,000 people packed into Boston Common on March 28 to protest President Donald Trump in the third wave of nationwide 'No Kings' protests. Organizers claimed the 'day of action' was one of the largest single-day protests in U.S. history, with over 8 million people attending more than 3,000 demonstrations across all 50 states and abroad. The Boston protest featured speeches from Massachusetts leaders and a performance by Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys, as well as dozens of activist groups setting up 'action tables' to galvanize support.

Why it matters

The 'No Kings' protests represent a growing grassroots movement against the Trump administration's perceived attacks on civil liberties, foreign policy, and immigration enforcement. The large turnout in Boston Common highlights the depth of public opposition to the president's agenda, especially in liberal-leaning urban areas like Massachusetts.

The details

The Boston protest took place near the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, where more than 100 pairs of girls' shoes and 13 pairs of combat boots were displayed to honor those who have lost their lives in U.S. and Israeli bombings in Iran. Organizers said the exhibit was meant to 'bring the war home' and make the human cost of conflict more tangible for attendees. Alongside the main stage, dozens of activist groups set up tables to recruit new supporters, including the Indivisible Massachusetts Coalition and the American Federation of Teachers.

  • The protest took place on March 28, 2026.
  • The next scheduled mass protest is planned for May Day on May 1, 2026.

The players

Maura Healey

The Governor of Massachusetts who delivered a speech at the protest.

Ed Markey

A U.S. Senator from Massachusetts who spoke at the protest.

Marcelo Gomes da Silva

A Milford, Massachusetts teen who was previously detained by ICE and spoke at the protest.

Dropkick Murphys

A Celtic punk band that performed at the protest.

Parmelee Eastman

A Massachusetts resident who represented the Indivisible Massachusetts Coalition at an action table.

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What they’re saying

“The American Revolution started right here across the Common. The Civil Rights Movement, the Freedom Riders, they started right here on Boston Common. They were knocked down, they were not knocked out, they got up, they fought and they won.”

— Ed Markey, U.S. Senator

“As it builds and grows, we are fighting against authoritarianism, we are fighting for our democracy and we want to make sure that communities see teachers on those front lines. We are on the chopping block in a lot of ways, and we are the remedy and the antidote to that.”

— Brian LaPierre, Organizer and former teacher

“I just want Americans to be on the streets and create enough disruption that this administration feels enough pain to change its course.”

— Bahar Sharafi, Member of the National Iranian American Council's Massachusetts chapter

What’s next

The next scheduled mass protest is May Day on May 1, 2026, when participants will refrain from work, school, and shopping to create a significant economic disruption across the country.

The takeaway

The massive turnout at the 'No Kings' protest in Boston Common underscores the deep public opposition to the Trump administration's policies, especially among progressive urban communities. The demonstration was part of a nationwide movement seeking to pressure the government through sustained civil disobedience and disruptive action.