Despite the rain, people flocked to Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Heights and Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn Heights to participate in "No Kings" protests.

People are protesting across the country Saturday for what event organizers say is a counter to President Donald Trump's birthday and the military parade in Washington D.C. honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. They claim it's a demonstration to reject authoritarianism.

News 12 spoke with protestors on why they chose to come out, including actor Ethan Hawke.

"I love being here because peaceful protests are a great way to practice our First Amendment rights and it's important to show up and show how upset we are," said Hawke.

The protests appeared to be peaceful. The NYPD says they have thousands of officers ready across the city.