COLUMBIA — Despite the South Carolina State Fair and a Gamecocks home game competing for attention nearby, thousands gathered at the Statehouse to protest President Donald Trump’s policies, many denouncing his administration’s immigration raids and cuts to federal agencies.

Protesters came to Columbia from across the state for the “No Kings” event Oct. 18, among thousands unfolding nationwide led by 50501, a grassroots network. According to its website, 50501 partnered with more than 200 advocacy organizations, many of them aligned with progressive causes, including the ACLU, Planned Parenthood and the Human Rights Campaign. The name 50501 means "50 protests. 50 states. 1 day" and aims to counter what it views as Trump’s abuses of power while in office.

“Protests do matter. They may not

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