Photos: Hundreds turn out in Chandler for latest ‘No Kings’ event

By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

The political divide of the past 10 years has prompted some Chandler-area residents to switch parties — or at least to pull away from a party to which they once had more allegiance.

That’s the case for Chandler resident Dan Desmond, one of hundreds of “No Kings” protestors who took the streets of the city Oct. 17 in opposing the policies of President Trump.

“I’m fed up with all aspects of his administration,” Desmond said while standing on the foot and bicycle bridge leading over Loop 101 into Thude Park. “The corruption, the war, inflation — all of it. And almost no one in either party is standing up to him.”

Desmond and his wife, Geri, Chandler residents for more than 30 years, were dressed as king and queen for the rally — complete with crowns, cloaks and scepters — in an opposition to what many feel is a monarchical approach taken by Trump, bucking the courts and not going through Congress for wholesale changes and major decisions.

“He really has broken more than a few Constitutional amendments,” Geri Desmond said.

Dan Desmond, who describes his affiliation as “formerly Republican,” said there isn’t one particularly galvanizing government direction or action that draws him in, and there will be many things to focus on if Democrats win key or many seats in the Nov. 3 election.

“Hopefully, there’s strength in numbers, because we need to reign in ICE, end wars and so much more,” he said.

Geri Desmond said it’s clear what needs to happen with Trump’s cabinet and other appointees.

“I want them all to be impeached,” she said.

The Indivisible rally started with signs held aloft on the foot bridge over Loop 101. Many from the rally later joined up with the East Valley Unite particpants, who held signs up on Chandler Boulevard for hours, near the Chandler Fashion Center.

East Valley Unite rally participants formed a human “vote early” banner in Harter Park before heading over to the more-populated boulevard.

Jason W. Brooks can be reached at jbrooks@iniusa.org. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.