Hundreds of protestors participate in ‘No Kings Day’ in Capitol Square

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) -“50501″ protests are popping up nationwide this President’s Day, including hundreds in Richmond partaking in the effort.

The effort showed up to Capitol Square for Governor Glenn Youngkin, Virginia lawmakers, and others to hear their concerns over President Donald Trump’s latest policies. Participants claim the movement is “No Kings Day.”

“The executive branch does not have full power over the entire government as a king would,” Maggy Foote with the 50501 Virginia chapter said.

This is the second protest like it this month, with hundreds of people gathering in Capitol Square.

As more federal workers’ jobs are cut, protests are some activists' way of condemning what they see as anti-democratic. On Monday, protesters specifically called out Elon Musk’s involvement in the government.

“Our goal is to, A, bring attention to issues that people maybe are not paying attention to, and B, give people a place to peacefully protest and C, to connect like-minded individuals,” Foote said.

With school out for the holiday, the event attracted people of all ages, including 14-year-old Erin Hawkins and his 12-year-old brother.

“It’s definitely heartwarming,” Hawkins said. “We’re out here doing the best we can.”

The Republican Party of Virginia sent 12 On Your Side a statement on the protests.

“Once again, Virginia Democrats are mustering weak opposition to President Trump and the overwhelming number of Americans who handed him majorities in the popular vote and in the Electoral College, including GOP majorities in the US House and Senate,” Chairman Rich Anderson says. ”As before, these obstructionist Democrats will fail, and the American people will get what they voted for: A secure border, protection of safe spaces for women, a government that works for them, reduced inflation, affordable groceries and gas, and a military that is respected around the world. Leftist Democrats have a Constitutionally-protected right to protest, but will fail in the end because the American people have spoken out against their radicalized ideology.”