Political protest Coverage

Will college Gaza protests impact 2024 vote?

Pro-Palestinian protests continue to rock major American universities, prompting school officials across the country to take extraordinary steps to confront the growing crisis. Meanwhile, some Democratic leaders are trying to downplay the impact the pro-Palestinian protests will have on President Joe Biden's re-election.

26 arrested, released after downtown Raleigh die-in

A protest blocked traffic on Thursday in downtown Raleigh but is not likely to result in serious criminal consequences for those arrested.

Pro-Palestinian protestors disrupt speaking engagement at UNC

Pro-Palestinian protestors disrupted a speaking engagement at UNC featuring a speaker they said conflates anti-zionism and antisemitism.

Palestine supporters gather outside State Capitol Tree Lighting in Raleigh

The protesters could be heard chanting and were waving flags. Some in the group of at least 50 held signs.

Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

Pro-Palestine group marches from NC State bell tower to State Capitol

Pro-Palestinian protesters marched down Hillsborough Street in Raleigh on Friday afternoon.

BISHOP BARBER: Moral Monday's message to North Carolina legislators

Thursday, April 27, 2023 -- "We stand with all those across the nation who have come together united to address the deaths that occur to the failure of elected officials to support and pass public policies that address voter suppression, healthcare, living wages, and gun reform - and to uphold equal protection under the law against racism and targeted attacks on our humanity."

Hundreds gather for Moral Monday Recommitment Rally

Over 200 protestors joined Bishop Barber and other organizations on the 10th anniversary of the protest which saw 1,000 protestors arrested at the general assembly

New NC anti-rioting law will target peaceful protesters, lawsuit says

Supporters of the law said it's needed to discourage vandalism during protests. Opponents said it's clearly aimed at making people too scared to go to a protest, even if they have no intention of committing any violence themselves.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

NC House debates bill amping up punishments for riots during protests

North Carolina Republican lawmakers are fast-tracking a bill with heavy penalties for rioting, including mandatory jail time just for being arrested. Critics say it's a racist reaction meant to punish Black Lives Matter protesters.

Protest against police brutality in downtown Raleigh

Activists protest against police brutality in downtown Raleigh after video footage showing Tyre Nichols being beaten by five Memphis police officers was released Friday night.

Protestors gather in Raleigh to demonstrate against Iranian government after woman dies in custody of 'morality police'

Protesters gathered in Raleigh Saturday, demonstrating against the government of Iran.

Protestors in Raleigh demonstrate against Iranian government

Protesters gathered in Raleigh, demonstrating against the government of Iran. Organizers want the United States government to reject any dealings with the current Iranian regime.

Activists in the Triangle call for more accountability two years after Jan. 6 riot

Advocates rallied Friday in downtown Raleigh to mark two years since the Jan. 6, 2021, attacks on the U.S. Capitol.

Downtown Raleigh rally marks two years after Jan. 6 riot

Advocates rallied Friday in downtown Raleigh on the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attacks on the U.S. Capitol.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Triangle group gathers to be voice of the voiceless amid protests in Iran

Mahsa Amini died while in police custody for wearing a scarf improperly. A woman from the Triangle is bringing awareness to what happened.

Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

Seven North Carolina college campuses have secretly tracked social media posts of students, protesters

Big brother invasion of privacy or pro-active policing? That's the question after a new report revealed seven North Carolina universities use or have used powerful social media-monitoring programs to keep an eye on everything from campus protests to student well-being to drugs.

Cullen Browder, WRAL anchor/reporter

Protestors gather outside Supreme Court after Roe Vs. Wade report surfaces

Protesters gathered outside the Supreme Court on Monday night after Politico published a report on a draft opinion it obtained that shows the high court is set to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Bumper-to-bumper demonstration at US-Canada border reaches fourth day

The bumper-to-bumper demonstration entered its fourth day Thursday at the Ambassador Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit. The demonstration disrupted the flow of auto parts and other products back and forth across the border.

A year later, Raleigh groups still feel democracy was jeopardized by Jan. 6 riots

On the anniversary of one of the darkest days in recent history, there were protests in Raleigh.

Keenan Willard, WRAL eastern North Carolina reporter

Activists rally in Raleigh on anniversary of U.S. Capitol riots

The North Carolina Poor People's Campaign holds a 'defend democracy' rally in Raleigh as one of more than 150 similar events taking place across the country, including at the U.S. Capitol.

One year later, Jan. 6 assault still casts a pall over the Capitol and its occupants

WASHINGTON -- Metal detectors screen lawmakers for weapons at the doors of the House chamber. Staff members are frightened to come to work. Anxious police officers worry about a future attack, even as they relive the one that took place. The citadel of democracy is almost inaccessible to the public it is supposed to welcome and serve.

Carl Hulse, New York Times

Congress prepares to mark the anniversary of the Jan. 6 protests at the U.S. Capitol

Congress is preparing to mark the anniversary of the deadly Jan. 6 riots on Capitol Hill. Democratic leaders have plans for a solemn day of remembrance -- even as the investigation into the attack continues, and with former President Trump planning to speak about it from Florida.

Raleigh unrest led to 160 arrests. Most will see charges dropped

In the wake of Kyle Rittenhouse's acquittal, WRAL's Dan Haggerty asked where cases stand for those arrested during unrest in Raleigh during the summer of 2020.

Protests against Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson continue in downtown Raleigh

Several people protested in front of the General Assembly building weeks after reports surfaced about Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson making comments critical of the LGBTQ community.

Cooper vetoes 'critical race theory,' rioting bills

Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday vetoed two bills authored by GOP legislative leaders that would have prohibited the teaching of critical race theory in North Carolina public schools and would have increased the penalties for rioting.

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol Bureau chief, & Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter