Federal Workers Organize No Kings Rally*

For Immediate Release

10-15-2026

Background:

Starting at 10:00 AM October 17th, NIH Vigils & 27 UNIHTED will host a No Kings Rally to draw attention to the attacks on our country's research infrastructure, educate people about their right to vote, and highlight how showing up at the ballot box is the first step toward saving science and democracy. This event will take place outside the Medical Center Metro in Bethesda Maryland.

Speakers include renowned sociologist Dr. Natalie Aviles, NIH Whistleblowers Dr. Jenna Norton and Dr. Shiv Prasad, an election defense and voting rights educator, NIH community members, and a representative for Senator Van Hollen. The event will also feature music from local band Northstar Union. 

Held every Saturday since May 2025, NIH Vigils is a weekly community effort from current and former NIH workers in their personal capacities to highlight the lives and programs lost due to the administration’s politicization of NIH. 27 UNIHTED is a health research advocacy organization started by current and former NIH workers. 

Schedule:

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM welcome and music from Northstar Union

10:20 AM - 11:30 AM speakers 

11:30 AM closing and musical exit from Northstar Union

Informational tables throughout

More information:

For more information and to register go to:https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/1030942/

For media inquiries contact: media@27unihted.org

*All federal workers are acting in their personal capacities and off duty, and this is not an event associated with any government agency