OHIO COUNTY, WV — Protesters lined Kruger Street and National Road in Wheeling on Saturday as part of “No Kings” demonstrations held across the country.

People were already packed along the streets before the protest began at 11:30 as participants cited rising gas prices and the controversial Iran war. Protesters chanted and voiced their opinions during the event.

Teddie Grogan said the group gathered to push back against what they see as undemocratic leadership and unnecessary conflict. “We’re here today to protest the fact that we want our country we want it run as a democracy we don’t want wars that are somebodys choice and not a necessity,” Grogan said.

Former U.S. military member Cody Cumpston also criticized the current administration and said he is frustrated by the cost of living and the direction of the country. “I’m here today because of the current administration we’re in a new war we didn’t need to be in prices are still skyrocketing I’m just tired of it I feel like they’ve forgotten all about us and they keep forgetting about us,” Cumpston said.

Another protester, April Pascoli, said she believes many people are not aware of what the administration is doing internationally and at home. “If I don’t go to work one day and I ask people do you know what’s happening in this country? And somebody says, we’re at war right now? Really? People my age don’t even know that we have troops on the ground, that they are bombing. Bombing our bases in the middle east. Do you know that, do you realize that?” Pascoli said.