BONNERS FERRY — For the third time since June, the Kootenai River Bridge in Bonners Ferry was the site of a “No Kings” protest as about 30 people gathered with signs reading “America is a Democratic Republic, not a kingdom” and “No kings, no wars, no ICE” on March 28. 

There were fewer people at this protest than at a similar protest in October 2025. Attendees said it was due to little publicity before the event. They also said it was the first protest in Bonners Ferry affiliated with the No Kings organization. Similar “No Kings” protests were held in Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene the same day. 

No counterprotesters attended the event, as they had during the previous two protests, and there were no clashes. However, two people were arrested at the protest in Spokane, according to The Spokesman-Review. 

Clarice McKennie, who helped organize the event, said she wants No Kings protests more often. 

“Actually, it would be great if we had them every month,” McKennie said. “I would never want to see us drop back from what we’re doing.”

While no counterprotesters attended the March 28 event, about 10 were present at a similar protest in October. During that demonstration, one man described the protesters as “indoctrinated college idiots.” Another questioned why they were protesting someone who, in his view, is “taking out pedophiles, taking out people who have trafficked women.” 

Laura Anderson spoke about why she attended the event. 

“I’m out here because I believe our democracy is in trouble,” Anderson said. “We need to wake up and put people in power who care about the population and not just billionaires.” 

Anderson, who said she has lived in Boundary County for about 50 years, said she is concerned about health care for children and women. 

Sue Branson used a nickname popularized by critics of the New York Yankees to explain why she came to the protest. 

“It’s maybe the only thing I can do to demonstrate how grieved I am that the very country I love has become the Evil Empire,” Branson said. “Every week there’s some new atrocity and new injustice.” 

Attendee Amy Brown said many people in Bonners Ferry are not connected to what is happening across the country. 

“We have no reason to have troops in the streets or people being pulled out of places,” Brown said. “We are a very white community up here. A lot of these people don’t know anybody this is happening to, so if it doesn’t affect you personally, it’s not real.” 

According to national event organizers, more than 8 million people participated in “No Kings” protests worldwide. 

    A protestor holds up her sign.
  

    Laura Anderson (left) and another protestor hold up signs with love written on them at the 'No Kings' protest in Bonners Ferry.