The 3 - October 26, 2025

It was billed as a peaceful protest, even a joyful, family-friendly occasion that decried what some have claimed is a rise in authoritarian action by duly-elected government officials. The Washington Stand reported that following the death of Charlie Kirk and stated desires by a candidate for Attorney General in Virginia musing on killing political opponents, "political violence became a concern ahead of the planned rallies."  It went on to say, "Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy argued that the 'No Kings' protests are 'part of Antifa,' a radical left-wing militant network formally designated as a terrorist organization by the president. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson also linked the protests to Antifa, saying in an interview, 'It’s all the pro-Hamas wing and the Antifa people, they’re all coming out.' He called the events a 'Hate America rally...'"

In Chino Hills, California, protestors held forth outside Family Research Council's Pray Vote Stand Summit, chanting, “No fear, no hate. Facism out of our state..."  The article related:

In comments shared with The Washington Stand, FRC President Tony Perkins recalled watching the protests on Saturday. “The scene told a story: on one corner stood Antifa, the ‘No Kings’ crowd, and pro-Palestinian demonstrators; across from them, the Proud Boys; on another corner, sheriff’s deputies in riot gear; and finally — [Christians] — declaring that Jesus is King.” Perkins continued, “I told Pastor Jack [Hibbs] that what we had just witnessed was a visible manifestation of the spiritual battle raging all around us. There’s no question we are in the midst of an epic spiritual struggle. Yet God has placed us here — at this precise moment — to lift high the guidon of truth: His Word and His Way.”

And, in San Antonio, churches were vandalized.  Faithwire reported, "At least two church buildings in San Antonio — Community Bible Church and Church Unlimited Stone Oak — were tagged with graffiti messages amidst 'No Kings' protests in major cities around the country."  Community Bible Church Pastor Ed Newton wrote on Facebook, “To spew evil, spray paint this on our church, in a form of hate, causes me to question the very belief system of [those] who participate, condone, and not condemn this kind of hate language and ideology..."

Newton added, “The truth is what Jesus wants is for all people to repent and live for Him surrendered from a lifestyle of hate, sin and evil...Jesus came to save sinners, change sinners, to sons and daughter that includes us all, me and you, including every president before us, amongst us and after us.”  He concluded by saying, "Jesus is King.”

As for Church Unlimited Stone Oak, "founding Pastor Bil Cornelius wrote on social media he is 'so disappointed' to see the purported vandalism at one of his congregation’s satellite locations."  He stated, “Vandalism is not protesting,” adding, “It is a crime.”

Zion Ramos is an Arkansas high school student who took advantage of a "social time" gathering on Zoom in order to share his faith in Christ during the two minutes allotted to him, according to First Liberty.  The Christian legal organization reported on its website, "Suddenly, the teacher muted him. Once he realized he was muted, Zion unmuted himself to continue sharing his message. However, as he continued to speak, the teacher removed him from the Zoom call. A few minutes later, the meeting was shut down entirely."

First Liberty became involved, and reported: "In less than 72 hours, the school responded favorably to our letter. School officials agreed to grant Zion three minutes to share his faith at an upcoming social time event, as First Liberty requested."  School officials have also agreed to undergo religious liberty training.  Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has called for an investigation.

Zion responded by saying: "I’m glad the school agreed to do the right thing,” adding, “Freedom of speech isn’t just a right, it’s the foundation of our liberty. Christians must stand up, speak out, and defend our right to share what we believe.”

Kevin Rideout is a pilot for the Christian missions organization Serving in Mission International.  World Magazine reported that he was abducted in the capital city of Niger last Monday night, not far from the presidential palace.  The article stated, "The unidentified assailants kidnapped him...and were suspected of taking him to the Tillaberi region in western Niger, according to African security analysis website Zagazola. Nigerien authorities searched for him in collaboration with international partners, according to the website."  

Mission Network News reported:

“According to local sources, three armed men kidnapped him [Rideout], and since then, we haven’t heard about that more,” says Illia Djadi. He serves with Open Doors International as the Senior Analyst for Freedom of Religion and Belief in Africa. “So far, no group has claimed the kidnapping.”

But there are ways to make an educated guess. Niger endures rising unrest and Islamic insurgencies.
 
“Niger is part of this group of countries [that are] the most affected by Islamic insurgency active in the Sahel or West African region,” says Djadi, who is himself from Niger.