Thousands of protesters have made it to Auditorium Shores where they were met with local organizations, activists and unions. With more speakers lined up, No Kings Austin continues.

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The crowd cheers at seeing Patagonia employees on Congress Avenue wait in their doorway with a sign that reads, “We’re at work, but we agree.”

People on the sidewalks are cheering marchers on as they cross Third Street. The front of the crowd has made it to Auditorium Shores.

Demonstrators have started marching to Auditorium Shores next to Lady Bird Lake. State troopers on motorcycles are near the crowd.

Nick Mollberg is the last speaker before the protesters march, and he is speaking about the importance of talking with people who think differently. 

“Enough is enough,” he chants. “You are not alone. You will find new allies. You will find new friends, and you will strengthen your community.”

“The only monarch I am embracing today is the butterfly,” Shelby Evans said. She is dressed in the pattern of a monarch butterfly as she speaks at the steps. 

The crowd is preparing to march to Auditorium Shores, with one more speaker left.

Sophia Mirto, president of Hands Off Central Texas, spoke about how citizens can change the community by standing together. “This is how we build a beautiful future, America,” Mirto said.

Texas Rep. Gina Hinojosa speaks at the steps about how Texans are “scrappy” and “strong.”

Gov. Abbott has given taxpayer dollars to his no-bid donors, said Hinojosa, who announced her run for governor earlier this week.

“We need to make sure America lives up to its promise of taking care of its citizens,” Osobase said. 

All across the Capitol lawn, protesters are carrying signs. “Speak up before it’s illegal,” one read. “Democracy doesn’t need a mask,” another said, referencing ICE workers.

Derrick Osobase, vice president of Communications Workers of America District 6, a telecommunications workers union, speaks at the steps about the power of organizing and mentioned how Gov. Abbott sent the National guard. 

“When we lose our fear, we win,” he said. “And, quite frankly, they lose their power.”

“In America, we have no kings, but we also have no knights in shining armor,” Casar said. “We can save ourselves.”

He spoke to the right to a union, abortion access, pathway to citizenship and for peace.

Rep. Casar spoke against Texan and national leaders. “I think it’s time to vote them out,” Casar said, prompting the growing crowd to chant, “vote them out.”

Law firms and universities have kissed Trump’s ring,” Casar said. “No more.”

“It’s time for us to say no more,” he said.

Doggett spoke about immigration enforcement, the government shutdown and the upcoming 2026 midterm election as an opportunity to stop the Trump administration’s actions. 

“In a free republic, only the law is king,” Doggett said. 

Doggett called for community members to start talking with those around them. Some may not trust the news, but they trust each other, he said.  “Your courage breeds courage in others.”

By 2 p.m., several thousand people were gathered at the steps of the Capitol.

“Who’s ready to take back our democracy?” Melody Tremallo, vice president of Hands Off Central Texas, asked the crowd. Tremallo, a transgender woman, said she is fighting for her community. U.S. representatives Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar are set to speak.