Hundreds Gather at Bend's No Kings Protest Against Trump Administration

Central Oregon activists rally against Trump's policies on immigration, LGBTQ rights, and women's rights

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a crowd of protesters marching down a city street, with overlapping, geometric shapes and brushstrokes in shades of red, white, and blue, conveying the passionate energy and political divisions of the event.The vibrant, fractured energy of the No Kings protest in Bend reflects the ongoing political tensions and resistance against the Trump Administration's policies.Bend Today

Thousands of Central Oregonians showed up to the No Kings protest in Bend on March 28, rallying against the Trump Administration's policies on immigration, LGBTQ rights, and women's rights. The day started with a rally at Drake Park and transitioned into a march toward Peace Corner, where protesters chanted slogans and one individual attempted to burn the American flag, leading to a brief altercation.

Why it matters

The No Kings protest in Bend reflects the broader resistance movement against the Trump Administration's policies, particularly among progressives and left-leaning activists in Central Oregon. The event highlights the ongoing political divisions and tensions in the region and the country.

The details

The protest began with a rally at Drake Park, where demonstrators sang songs and chanted slogans like 'No nazis, no KKK, no fascist U.S.A.' At 2 pm, the crowd marched toward Peace Corner, with drummers and musicians playing 'This Land is Your Land.' At the intersection, protesters continued chanting and one individual, Luke Richter of the Central Oregon Peacekeepers, attempted to burn the American flag, leading to a brief altercation with other protesters. Bend police were called but did not respond, as they typically only show up to protests when called.

  • The protest took place on March 28, 2026.
  • The rally at Drake Park began at 1 pm.
  • The march toward Peace Corner started at 2 pm.
  • The altercation at Peace Corner occurred around 2:50 pm.

The players

Luke Richter

Founder and President of Central Oregon Peacekeepers, who attempted to burn the American flag during the protest.

Central Oregon 50501

The progressive organization and driving force behind the No Kings protest.

Central Oregon for Socialism (COS)

A progressive and socialist activist movement that provided aid and education to local organizations.

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What they’re saying

“The flag to me symbolizes genocide for people that look like me, LBTQ people, people from all walks of marginalized communities. I feel like I did the right thing. I feel like everybody can do what they need to do to feel like they're being heard and their rights are being respected.”

— Luke Richter, Founder and President of Central Oregon Peacekeepers

“For anyone who disagrees with why we're out here, I'd encourage them to look inside and really see the humanity of the people and their faces and why they are out here. It's oftentimes not an argument you can win, but one can hope.”

— Ruth Vernotico, Protester

“It's not enough to come out for a day and just pull up some signs; we need to actually invest in building movements that can be sustained long term to bring about change. This isn't going to change anything unless we get people into the long-term movement.”

— Summer Roberson, Member of Central Oregon for Socialism

What’s next

The Bend Police Department is reviewing the incident at the protest and may consider charges against Luke Richter for his attempt to burn the American flag.

The takeaway

The No Kings protest in Bend reflects the ongoing political divisions and tensions in Central Oregon and the country, as activists continue to voice their opposition to the Trump Administration's policies on immigration, LGBTQ rights, and women's rights. The event highlights the need for sustained, long-term movements to bring about meaningful change.