COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/AP) - Thousands gathered outside the South Carolina State House on Saturday for one of many “No Kings” rallies held across the country.

Saturday marked the third nationwide protest movement since President Donald Trump returned to the White House earlier this year, decrying what participants see as the government’s swift drift into authoritarianism under Trump.

In Columbia, crowds gathered with signs outside the State House before later marching down Columbia and by the nearby governor’s mansion.

Some demonstrators spoke with WIS about their reasons for coming out to the rally.

Organizers said over 2,500 protests were held across the country, bringing millions out in large cities and small towns.

Republicans, meanwhile, sought to portray participants in Saturday’s

See Full Page