An Open Letter Ahead of the March 28th “No Kings” Protests
Crowds on Demand Releases De-Escalation Blueprint and Identifies Cities Where Tensions Are Highest
With nationwide “No Kings” protests scheduled for March 28, I believe several major U.S. cities are at heightened risk of escalation unless both protesters and authorities take proactive steps to reduce tensions.
Based on my experience organizing advocacy campaigns and studying how protests function in real-world conditions, I’m releasing a De-Escalation Blueprint along with an assessment of where de-escalation will matter most.
Cities Where De-Escalation Will Matter Most
In my view, the following cities require particular attention due to a combination of recent tensions, crowd size, and protest activity:
Minneapolis / Twin Cities
Recent confrontations involving federal immigration enforcement have already triggered large demonstrations and heightened tensions.
New York City
As the country’s largest protest hub, New York consistently draws large crowds, multiple activist groups, and counter-protests — a combination that can increase the risk of confrontation.
Chicago
Historically one of the nation’s most active protest cities, where large demonstrations and counter-protests often intersect.
Austin
Political tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and state-federal disputes have made the city a recurring flashpoint.
Los Angeles
Large demonstrations and crowd density create conditions where small incidents can escalate quickly.
Why Protests Escalate
In my experience, protest escalation is rarely random — it tends to follow a predictable pattern driven by a few key triggers:
1. Close physical confrontation
Escalation often begins when protesters enter an officer’s personal space — shouting directly in their face or engaging in physical provocation.
2. Obstruction of public access
Blocking major roadways or interfering with law enforcement operations often forces a response, increasing the likelihood of confrontation.
3. Disproportionate use of force
When law enforcement responds with force that appears excessive relative to the situation, it can inflame already tense crowds.
The Escalation Cycle
What I’ve consistently observed is what I would describe as a protest escalation cycle:
A protester engages in a provocative act →
An officer responds with force →
The crowd becomes more agitated →
Law enforcement escalates further →
And the situation intensifies.
We’ve seen versions of this dynamic play out in recent protests in Minnesota, where initial confrontations gave way to broader unrest.
Escalation is rarely one-sided — it’s a cycle. The key is preventing the first trigger, not reacting to the last one.
The De-Escalation Blueprint
The most effective way to prevent escalation is to address those initial triggers early.
For Protesters
Do not enter the personal space of law enforcement; maintain a distance of 6–10 feet
Do not taunt, scream at, or provoke officers
Do not block roadways or interfere with operations
Report or distance yourself from individuals engaging in unlawful behavior
When possible, establish communication with authorities in advance
For Authorities
Provide clear instructions and allow adequate time for compliance before using force
Do not treat verbal insults as justification for force
Avoid disproportionate responses that can inflame crowds
Hold colleagues accountable for misconduct
Establish communication with protest leaders whenever possible
A Preventable Outcome
In my view, most protest-related violence is not inevitable — it’s the result of a series of preventable decisions.
If both protesters and authorities focus on discipline, communication, and restraint in those early moments, the entire trajectory of a protest can change.
Adam Swart
Founder & CEO
Crowds on Demand