North San Diego County saw its share of “No Kings” protests Saturday, Oct. 18, as part of a nationwide day of events criticizing the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office reported that local activities were peaceful.
“No Kings” protests were held in the North County communities of Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista and Ramona.
“The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has been monitoring several protests throughout our jurisdiction areas on Saturday, October 18. So far, things have remained peaceful and civil,” the Sheriff’s Office reported in a 6 p.m. statement. “On behalf of Sheriff Kelly Martinez and the Sheriff’s Office, we thank everyone who has participated and peacefully expressed their First Amendment rights.”
Local news outlets such as City News Service and NBC7 San Diego reported that events across the county drew tens of thousands of protesters in total.
The Carlsbad Police Department had not yet issued any public statements regarding its observations at the time of this story’s publication. San Marcos, Vista and Ramona fall within Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, however.
“We support the public’s right to free speech and assembly. We encourage the peaceful gathering of people. We respect your right to be heard,” the Sheriff’s Office statement continued. “The Sheriff’s Office does not condone any acts of violence or intolerance in our communities. Our job is to enforce the law. As long as people express themselves in a peaceful and lawful manner, we do not have any lawful authority to intervene.”
