Fact Check: "Almost 100,000 people marched in Philadelphia during the protests against President Donald Trump on June 14, 2023, according to police estimates."
What We Know
On June 14, 2023, a series of protests known as the "No Kings" demonstrations took place across the United States, including a significant event in Philadelphia. Reports indicate that approximately 80,000 people participated in the Philadelphia march, according to estimates from local news sources and organizers (NBC Philadelphia, WHYY). The protests were organized in response to various policies of President Donald Trump, particularly those related to immigration and civil rights.
The Philadelphia event was highlighted as a flagship protest within the broader national movement, which included around 2,000 rallies across the country (New York Times). While police estimates did not explicitly confirm the figure of 100,000, the reported numbers from various news outlets consistently hovered around 80,000.
Analysis
The claim that "almost 100,000 people marched" in Philadelphia is partially true. While the 80,000 figure reported by multiple sources is substantial, it does not reach the claimed 100,000. The discrepancy may arise from rounding or varying estimates provided by different organizations or observers.
The sources reporting these figures include reputable news outlets such as NBC Philadelphia and WHYY, which have a track record of reliable reporting. However, the New York Times and Associated Press did not provide specific crowd estimates for Philadelphia, focusing instead on the nationwide scope of the protests (New York Times, AP News). This suggests that while the local estimates are credible, the absence of a unified police estimate leaves room for interpretation.
Furthermore, the nature of crowd estimates can vary significantly based on methodologies used by different organizations, leading to potential over- or under-counting. The police may have provided their own estimates, but these were not explicitly cited in the sources reviewed.
Conclusion
The claim that "almost 100,000 people marched in Philadelphia" is partially true. While the estimates from local sources indicate a turnout of about 80,000, the assertion of nearly 100,000 is an exaggeration. The discrepancy highlights the challenges in accurately estimating crowd sizes, especially during large-scale protests.
Sources
- No Kings Protests Across the U.S. Oppose Trump Policies
- Demonstrators rally against Trump at 'No Kings' protests
- When is the Philadelphia "No Kings" protest and march? - CBS News
- Recap: Thousands marched through Philly for 'No Kings' rally
- Philly's June 14 'No Kings' protest: Security, closures and more
- Philly attracts thousands to 'No Kings' protest against Trump
- 'No Kings' organizers say Philadelphia set to be largest June 14 ... - MSN
- Hundreds of Thousands Mock Trump With 'No Kings ...