Youngkin authorizes National Guard ahead of Virginia's 'No Kings' protests

Eliza Noe, The Virginian-Pilot on Oct 17, 2025

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NORFOLK, Va. — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has authorized members of the National Guard to be placed in “state active duty” status ahead of “No Kings” protests planned across the state this weekend.

In a post on X, Youngkin said his office is coordinating with local, state and federal law enforcement to respond to demonstrations. State active duty is when Guard members are called upon specifically by the state, rather than the federal government. During state active duty, members are employees of the state and are paid with state funds.

“I want to be clear that Virginians have a fundamental right to free speech and peaceful assembly, but that right does not include the destruction of property, looting, vandalism, disruption of traffic or violence of any kind — for which there will be zero tolerance,” Youngkin said.

Across the country, groups are planning demonstrations to protest decisions made by the Trump administration. In Hampton Roads, protests are planned in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News and Williamsburg, according the official No Kings website. There will also be demonstrations on the Eastern Shore and the Outer Banks, in Mathews, and in Richmond.

This is the second round of nationwide “No Kings” protests. In June, thousands of people attended “No Kings” protests in Virginia, which were conducted without incident.

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