Hey friends,

I need to say this, not because I want to scare anyone — but because I care too much not to.

This weekend’s protest on June 14 — yes, his birthday — lines up with something deeply disturbing. It also happens to be the Army’s birthday. That’s not a coincidence. That’s an opportunity, and I’m afraid the administration sees it that way too.

I believe they are preparing to use this weekend’s NO KINGS protests as a trigger point. I’m talking about activated MAGA crowds showing up to bait, escalate, provoke. I’m talking about potential embedded agitators — or even federal forces in disguise — trying to turn peaceful protest into chaos on camera. Why? Because it would give them cover. Cover to escalate. To clamp down. Even to declare martial law.

It sounds dramatic. But when nothing else has been done through proper, lawful channels — we need to be clear-eyed about what’s possible. This NO KINGS weekend may be staged – not negatively by us, but for MAGA to appear and disrupt.

And that’s why I’m begging you: be safe. Be alert. Be unshakeably peaceful. Your safety is the most important thing. We need you here for the long haul. And they know that, too.

I’ve put together a Protest Safety & De-Escalation Guide with everything you should know and bring with you — from what to pack, to what to do if tear gas is used, to how to keep your phone from turning into a tracking device.

If you’re attending a protest this weekend:

• Don’t go alone.
• Have an exit plan.
• Be cautious around anyone trying to rile up a crowd — they may not be on our side.
• And if you see something breaking bad? Sit down. Let them reveal themselves. You stay safe and visible and calm.

We are not pawns. We are the people.

This weekend at the NO KINGS protests and other actions, please take care of yourselves — and each other. And please don’t let anyone bait you into becoming the story they want to tell.

With deep care and worry,
Judy T.
Rescue Our Democracy