The “No Kings” protest in Kewanee on Saturday drew a crowd of around 150. Included among the protesters that lined Main Street was a well-known face.

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorenson came to Kewanee to protest alongside residents. Sorenson said that in the 17th District that he represents, there are a dozen counties and elected officials need to show up.

“This is a day where we Americans are standing up for American values,” he said.

Sorenson said not all representatives are listening to citizens and called the weekend murder of Minnesota lawmaker, Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, “tragic.”

Sorenson said it’s going to take all people coming together to change the political climate.

“We’re losing that sense of community,” he said.

The protest, with the tag line of “No crowns, No Thrones, No Kings,” was part of a nationwide rally held in many towns and cities across the county against such things as immigration policy, cuts to social programs and scientific research, the costs of the President’s military parade and the violation of human rights.

Media outlets are reporting that over 2000 such protests were planned over the weekend and millions of protesters turned out. It was reportedly the largest one-day protest in the history of the United States.

In Kewanee, colorful posters displayed the message “No Kings,” along with such wording as “Save Veteran Services,” “Support Ukraine,” “Save Democracy,” and “Common Decency is Needed.” A few protesters reported coming from as far away as Peoria and Rockford to attend.

Passers-by frequently honked their horns in support, and one protester noted that the honks far outweighed any disparaging messages from drivers passing by.

During the afternoon, “No Kings” protests were also held on West Main Street in Galesburg, where over 600 people took part, and in Geneseo, which drew a crowd of around 150.

***Diana Whitney contributed to the writing of this article.