VENICE, Italy (AP) — As a starry guest list of celebrities descends on Venice, Italy, for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, activists have united under the banner “No Space for Bezos” to protest the nuptials. Protesters were drawing attention to overtourism, high housing costs and the constant threat of climate-induced flooding in the lagoon city.
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Oprah Winfrey leaves a hotel during celebrations for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos' wedding, in Venice, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
CORRECTS FIRST NAME TO KENDALL, NOT KYLIE - Kendall Jenner, center, leaves a hotel during celebrations for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos' wedding, in Venice, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos waves from her balcony during wedding celebrations in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez, right, leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Kim Kardashian, left, and Khloé Kardashian leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Jeff Bezos waves as he arrives at San Giorgio island ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos, left, kisses Jeff Bezos as they depart from the Aman hotel during wedding celebrations in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Kylie Jenner, left, and Kriss Jenner leave a hotel during celebrations for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos' wedding, in Venice, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Oprah Winfrey leaves a hotel during celebrations for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos' wedding, in Venice, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
CORRECTS TO HILFIGER, NOT HILFINGER - Tommy Hilfiger and his wife Dee Ocleppo leave Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Orlando Bloom in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025, after attending the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Jeff Bezos, front, and Lauren Sanchez Bezos depart from the Aman hotel during wedding celebrations in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Ivanka Trump, right, and Jared Kushner leave a hotel during celebrations for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos' wedding, in Venice, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
From left, Kylie Jenner, Kriss Jenner and Kendall Jenner leave a hotel during celebrations for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos' wedding, in Venice, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos, left, and Jeff Bezos depart from the Aman hotel during wedding celebrations in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos, left, and Jeff Bezos depart from the Aman hotel during wedding celebrations in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos blows a kiss from her balcony, in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos and Jeff Bezos leave Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025, the day after their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Activists stage a protest on the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025, denouncing the three-day celebrations for the wedding between Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez Bezos that took place in Venice on Friday as a symbol of rising inequality and disregard for the city's residents. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos, left, and Jeff Bezos depart from the Aman hotel during wedding celebrations in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Police patrol the water in front of the Venice Arsenale in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Orlando Bloom walks in Venice, Italy, on Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Tommy Hilfinger and his wife Dee Ocleppo leave the Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Activists stage a protest in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025, denouncing the three-day celebrations for the wedding between Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez Bezos that took place in Venice on Friday as a symbol of rising inequality and disregard for the city's residents. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Usher, center, leaves the Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Activists stage a protest in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025, denouncing the three-day celebrations for the wedding between Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez Bezos that took place in Venice on Friday as a symbol of rising inequality and disregard for the city's residents. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos and Jeff Bezos leave the Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025, the day after their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos leave the Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos and Jeff Bezos leave the Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025, the day after their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos and Jeff Bezos leave their hotel in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025, the day after their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Kylie Jenner leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos, left, leave their hotel in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025, the day after their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos leave their hotel in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025, the day after their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez waves from a boat after leaving a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Lauren Sanchez, center, leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Ivanka Trump leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Brooks Nader leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Kim Kardashian, left, and Khloé Kardashian leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Kim Kardashian leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Jeff Bezos waves as he arrives at San Giorgio island ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Lauren Sanchez, left, arrives at San Giorgio island ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Lauren Sanchez leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Usher, left, and his wife Jennifer Goicoechea leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Usher, left, and Tom Brady leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Leonardo Di Caprio leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Kylie Jenner leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Ellie Goulding, right, leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Pigeons fly at sunset over St. George Church on St. George's Island in Venice , Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Brooks Nader leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Orlando Bloom leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
A boat, center, carrying Lauren Sanchez, leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
John Elkann, center left, and Lavinia Borromeo leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Police patrols outside a hotel on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, Friday,June 27, 2025 ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Vittoria Ceretti leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Ivanka Trump, center left, and Jared Kushner, center right, leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Queen Rania of Jordan, center, leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Bill Gates leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
The boat, center, carrying Jeff Bezos travels past St. Mark's Square ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Khloé Kardashian, left, and Kim Kardashian leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Bill Gates leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Residents try to catch a glimpse of Jeff Bezos leaving his hotel in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025 ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Lauren Sanchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jeff Bezos leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Lauren Sanchez, left, leaves her hotel in Venice, Italy, Friday,June 27, 2025 ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Orlando Bloom leaves his hotel, Friday, June 27, 2025 ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Security staff stand on a dock of San Giorgio Island in Venice, Italy, Friday,June 27, 2025 ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump, center, waves as she and her husband Jared Kushner, right, arrive in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Jeff Bezos, left, and Lauren Sanchez leave a hotel for their pre-wedding reception, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez waves as she and Jeff Bezos arrive in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump, center, waves as she and her husband Jared Kushner, right, arrive in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Usher arrives in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Barry Diller, left, and Diane von Furstenberg arrive in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Oprah Winfrey, center right, arrives in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Domenico Dolce, left, arrives in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Kim Kardashian, center, and sister Khloé Kardashian, arrive in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Protesters display a sign "No Kings No Bezos" in St. Mark's Square, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, inside boat, pass by the San Giorgio Maggiore Church on their way to their pre wedding reception, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jeff Bezos, left, and Lauren Sanchez leave their pre wedding reception, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jeff Bezos, center left, and Lauren Sanchez, center right, leave a hotel for their pre wedding reception, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A gondola carries tourists in front of the Aman Hotel along the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jeff Bezos, center left, and Lauren Sanchez, center right, leave a hotel for their pre wedding reception, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jeff Bezos, left, and Lauren Sanchez kiss as they leave a hotel for their pre wedding reception, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Tourists snap photographs of the Rialto bridge along the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Amazon multi-billionaire founder Jeff Bezos waves as he leaves by boat an hotel in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to his wedding with Lauren Sanchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
An activist from Extinction Rebellion unfolds a banner in front of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
A gondolier tours tourists along the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A tourist takes a photograph with her smartphone in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A man hauls a cart of supplies through Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A gondola sails past the Annan Hotel in Venice, Italy, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
A lookalike of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos poses for photos in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, center, arrives for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Oprah Winfrey arrives for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Amazon multi-billionaire founder Jeff Bezos, right, and Lauren Sanchez leave a hotel in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to their wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Gondolas are moored outside St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, center, arrives for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Oprah Winfrey, second left, arrives for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Italian Army soldiers patrol St. Mark’s Square ahead of the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Amazon multi-billionaire founder Jeff Bezos, right, and Lauren Sanchez arrive by boat at a hotel in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Oprah Winfrey leaves a hotel during celebrations for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos' wedding, in Venice, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
CORRECTS FIRST NAME TO KENDALL, NOT KYLIE - Kendall Jenner, center, leaves a hotel during celebrations for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos' wedding, in Venice, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos waves from her balcony during wedding celebrations in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez, right, leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Kim Kardashian, left, and Khloé Kardashian leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Jeff Bezos waves as he arrives at San Giorgio island ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos, left, kisses Jeff Bezos as they depart from the Aman hotel during wedding celebrations in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Kylie Jenner, left, and Kriss Jenner leave a hotel during celebrations for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos' wedding, in Venice, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Oprah Winfrey leaves a hotel during celebrations for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos' wedding, in Venice, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
CORRECTS TO HILFIGER, NOT HILFINGER - Tommy Hilfiger and his wife Dee Ocleppo leave Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Orlando Bloom in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025, after attending the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Jeff Bezos, front, and Lauren Sanchez Bezos depart from the Aman hotel during wedding celebrations in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Ivanka Trump, right, and Jared Kushner leave a hotel during celebrations for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos' wedding, in Venice, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
From left, Kylie Jenner, Kriss Jenner and Kendall Jenner leave a hotel during celebrations for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos' wedding, in Venice, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos, left, and Jeff Bezos depart from the Aman hotel during wedding celebrations in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos, left, and Jeff Bezos depart from the Aman hotel during wedding celebrations in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos blows a kiss from her balcony, in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos and Jeff Bezos leave Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025, the day after their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Activists stage a protest on the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025, denouncing the three-day celebrations for the wedding between Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez Bezos that took place in Venice on Friday as a symbol of rising inequality and disregard for the city's residents. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos, left, and Jeff Bezos depart from the Aman hotel during wedding celebrations in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Police patrol the water in front of the Venice Arsenale in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Orlando Bloom walks in Venice, Italy, on Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Tommy Hilfinger and his wife Dee Ocleppo leave the Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Activists stage a protest in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025, denouncing the three-day celebrations for the wedding between Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez Bezos that took place in Venice on Friday as a symbol of rising inequality and disregard for the city's residents. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Usher, center, leaves the Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Activists stage a protest in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025, denouncing the three-day celebrations for the wedding between Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez Bezos that took place in Venice on Friday as a symbol of rising inequality and disregard for the city's residents. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos and Jeff Bezos leave the Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025, the day after their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos leave the Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos and Jeff Bezos leave the Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025, the day after their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez Bezos and Jeff Bezos leave their hotel in Venice, Italy, Saturday, June 28, 2025, the day after their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Kylie Jenner leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos, left, leave their hotel in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025, the day after their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos leave their hotel in Venice, Italy, Saturday,June 28, 2025, the day after their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez waves from a boat after leaving a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Lauren Sanchez, center, leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Ivanka Trump leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Brooks Nader leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Kim Kardashian, left, and Khloé Kardashian leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Kim Kardashian leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Jeff Bezos waves as he arrives at San Giorgio island ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Lauren Sanchez, left, arrives at San Giorgio island ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Lauren Sanchez leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Usher, left, and his wife Jennifer Goicoechea leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Usher, left, and Tom Brady leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Leonardo Di Caprio leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Kylie Jenner leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Ellie Goulding, right, leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Pigeons fly at sunset over St. George Church on St. George's Island in Venice , Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Brooks Nader leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Orlando Bloom leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
A boat, center, carrying Lauren Sanchez, leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
John Elkann, center left, and Lavinia Borromeo leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Police patrols outside a hotel on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, Friday,June 27, 2025 ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Vittoria Ceretti leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Ivanka Trump, center left, and Jared Kushner, center right, leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Queen Rania of Jordan, center, leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Bill Gates leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
The boat, center, carrying Jeff Bezos travels past St. Mark's Square ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Khloé Kardashian, left, and Kim Kardashian leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Bill Gates leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Residents try to catch a glimpse of Jeff Bezos leaving his hotel in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025 ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Lauren Sanchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jeff Bezos leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Friday, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Lauren Sanchez, left, leaves her hotel in Venice, Italy, Friday,June 27, 2025 ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Orlando Bloom leaves his hotel, Friday, June 27, 2025 ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Security staff stand on a dock of San Giorgio Island in Venice, Italy, Friday,June 27, 2025 ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump, center, waves as she and her husband Jared Kushner, right, arrive in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Jeff Bezos, left, and Lauren Sanchez leave a hotel for their pre-wedding reception, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lauren Sanchez waves as she and Jeff Bezos arrive in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump, center, waves as she and her husband Jared Kushner, right, arrive in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Usher arrives in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Barry Diller, left, and Diane von Furstenberg arrive in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Oprah Winfrey, center right, arrives in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Domenico Dolce, left, arrives in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Kim Kardashian, center, and sister Khloé Kardashian, arrive in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Protesters display a sign "No Kings No Bezos" in St. Mark's Square, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, inside boat, pass by the San Giorgio Maggiore Church on their way to their pre wedding reception, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jeff Bezos, left, and Lauren Sanchez leave their pre wedding reception, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jeff Bezos, center left, and Lauren Sanchez, center right, leave a hotel for their pre wedding reception, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A gondola carries tourists in front of the Aman Hotel along the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jeff Bezos, center left, and Lauren Sanchez, center right, leave a hotel for their pre wedding reception, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jeff Bezos, left, and Lauren Sanchez kiss as they leave a hotel for their pre wedding reception, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Tourists snap photographs of the Rialto bridge along the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Amazon multi-billionaire founder Jeff Bezos waves as he leaves by boat an hotel in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to his wedding with Lauren Sanchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
An activist from Extinction Rebellion unfolds a banner in front of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
A gondolier tours tourists along the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A tourist takes a photograph with her smartphone in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A man hauls a cart of supplies through Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A gondola sails past the Annan Hotel in Venice, Italy, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
A lookalike of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos poses for photos in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, center, arrives for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Oprah Winfrey arrives for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Amazon multi-billionaire founder Jeff Bezos, right, and Lauren Sanchez leave a hotel in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to their wedding. (AP Photo/Luigi Costantini)
Gondolas are moored outside St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to a wedding celebration for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, center, arrives for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Oprah Winfrey, second left, arrives for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Italian Army soldiers patrol St. Mark’s Square ahead of the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Amazon multi-billionaire founder Jeff Bezos, right, and Lauren Sanchez arrive by boat at a hotel in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, ahead of festivities in the lagoon city reportedly linked to their wedding. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A group of Buddhist monks and their rescue dog are striding single file down country roads and highways across the South, captivating Americans nationwide and inspiring droves of locals to greet them along their route.
In their flowing saffron and ocher robes, the men are walking for peace. It's a meditative tradition more common in South Asian countries, and it's resonating now in the U.S., seemingly as a welcome respite from the conflict, trauma and politics dividing the nation.
Their journey began Oct. 26, 2025, at a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Texas, and is scheduled to end in mid-February in Washington, D.C., where they will ask Congress to recognize Buddha’s day of birth and enlightenment as a federal holiday. Beyond promoting peace, their highest priority is connecting with people along the way.
“My hope is, when this walk ends, the people we met will continue practicing mindfulness and find peace,” said the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group’s soft-spoken leader who is making the trek barefoot. He teaches about mindfulness, forgiveness and healing at every stop.
Preferring to sleep each night in tents pitched outdoors, the monks have been surprised to see their message transcend ideologies, drawing huge crowds into churchyards, city halls and town squares across six states. Documenting their journey on social media, they — and their dog, Aloka — have racked up millions of followers online. On Saturday, thousands thronged in Columbia, South Carolina, where the monks chanted on the steps of the State House and received a proclamation from the city's mayor, Daniel Rickenmann.
At their stop Thursday in Saluda, South Carolina, Audrie Pearce joined the crowd lining Main Street. She had driven four hours from her village of Little River, and teared up as Pannakara handed her a flower.
“There’s something traumatic and heart-wrenching happening in our country every day,” said Pearce, who describes herself as spiritual, but not religious. “I looked into their eyes and I saw peace. They’re putting their bodies through such physical torture and yet they radiate peace.”
Hailing from Theravada Buddhist monasteries across the globe, the 19 monks began their 2,300 mile (3,700 kilometer) trek at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth.
Their journey has not been without peril. On Nov. 19, as the monks were walking along U.S. Highway 90 near Dayton, Texas, their escort vehicle was hit by a distracted truck driver, injuring two monks. One of them lost his leg, reducing the group to 18.
This is Pannakara's first trek in the U.S., but he's walked across several South Asian countries, including a 112-day journey across India in 2022 where he first encountered Aloka, an Indian Pariah dog whose name means divine light in Sanskrit.
Then a stray, the dog followed him and other monks from Kolkata in eastern India all the way to the Nepal border. At one point, he fell critically ill and Pannakara scooped him up in his arms and cared for him until he recovered. Now, Aloka inspires him to keep going when he feels like giving up.
“I named him light because I want him to find the light of wisdom,” Pannakara said.
The monk's feet are now heavily bandaged because he's stepped on rocks, nails and glass along the way. His practice of mindfulness keeps him joyful despite the pain from these injuries, he said.
Still, traversing the southeast United States has presented unique challenges, and pounding pavement day after day has been brutal.
“In India, we can do shortcuts through paddy fields and farms, but we can’t do that here because there are a lot of private properties,” Pannakara said. “But what’s made it beautiful is how people have welcomed and hosted us in spite of not knowing who we are and what we believe.”
In Opelika, Alabama, the Rev. Patrick Hitchman-Craig hosted the monks on Christmas night at his United Methodist congregation.
He expected to see a small crowd, but about 1,000 people showed up, creating the feel of a block party. The monks seemed like the Magi, he said, appearing on Christ’s birthday.
“Anyone who is working for peace in the world in a way that is public and sacrificial is standing close to the heart of Jesus, whether or not they share our tradition,” said Hitchman-Craig. “I was blown away by the number of people and the diversity of who showed up.”
After their night on the church lawn, the monks arrived the next afternoon at the Collins Farm in Cusseta, Alabama. Judy Collins Allen, whose father and brother run the farm, said about 200 people came to meet the monks — the biggest gathering she’s ever witnessed there.
“There was a calm, warmth and sense of community among people who had not met each other before and that was so special,” she said.
Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for the Fort Worth temple, said the monks, when they arrive in Washington, plan to seek recognition of Vesak, the day which marks the birth and enlightenment of the Buddha, as a national holiday.
“Doing so would acknowledge Vesak as a day of reflection, compassion and unity for all people regardless of faith,” he said.
But Pannakara emphasized that their main goal is to help people achieve peace in their lives. The trek is also a separate endeavor from a $200 million campaign to build towering monuments on the temple’s 14-acre property to house the Buddha’s teachings engraved in stone, according to Dong.
The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique taught by the Buddha himself as core for attaining enlightenment. It focuses on the mind-body connection — observing breath and physical sensations to understand reality, impermanence and suffering. Some of the monks, including Pannakara, walk barefoot to feel the ground directly and be present in the moment.
Pannakara has told the gathered crowds that they don't aim to convert people to Buddhism.
Brooke Schedneck, professor of religion at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, said the tradition of a peace walk in Theravada Buddhism began in the 1990s when the Venerable Maha Ghosananda, a Cambodian monk, led marches across war-torn areas riddled with landmines to foster national healing after civil war and genocide in his country.
“These walks really inspire people and inspire faith,” Schedneck said. “The core intention is to have others watch and be inspired, not so much through words, but through how they are willing to make this sacrifice by walking and being visible.”
On Thursday, Becki Gable drove nearly 400 miles (about 640 kilometers) from Cullman, Alabama, to catch up with them in Saluda. Raised Methodist, Gable said she wanted some release from the pain of losing her daughter and parents.
“I just felt in my heart that this would help me have peace,” she said. “Maybe I could move a little bit forward in my life.”
Gable says she has already taken one of Pannakara’s teachings to heart. She’s promised herself that each morning, as soon as she awakes, she’d take a piece of paper and write five words on it, just as the monk prescribed.
“Today is my peaceful day.”
Freelance photojournalist Allison Joyce contributed to this report.
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," get lunch Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
Aloka rests with Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
A sign is seen greeting the Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
Supporters pray with Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
Supporters watch Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
A Buddhist monk ties a prayer bracelet around the wrist of Josey Lee, 2-months-old, during the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
Bhikkhu Pannakara, a spiritual leader, speaks to supporters during the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
Buddhist monks participate in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
Buddhist monks participate in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
Bhikkhu Pannakara leads other buddhist monks in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
Audrie Pearce greets Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
Bhikkhu Pannakara, a spiritual leader, speaks to supporters during the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," arrive in Saluda, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)
Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," are seen with their dog, Aloka, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)