US prepares for nationwide protests on day of Trump military parade
Cities across the US are preparing for major protests against US President Donald Trump on Saturday, while he is set to attend a military parade in the capital Washington to mark the US army's 250th anniversary on a day that also coincides with his birthday.
It is expected to be the largest single-day mobilisation since Trump returned to office for his second terms, the protests' organisers said, as they expect millions to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.
A flagship "No Kings" anti-Trump march and rally are planned in Philadelphia, with demonstrations set to take place in cities across the country. No events are planned in the capital, where the military parade is taking place.
The protests come at the end of a week which has seen demonstrations flare up in several locations around the country over federal immigration enforcement raids, which also saw Trump order National Guard troops and Marines to head to Los Angeles.
Some protesters blocked a highway and set cars on fire, with police responding with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades. A curfew was imposed in the city, while Democratic governors decried the deployment of troops as an "alarming abuse of power" by the Trump administration as they urged calm on the part of the demonstrators.
Addressing protestors, Washington State's Democrat Governor Bob Ferguson called for peaceful demonstrations in order to avoid the military being sent to his state. "'Donald Trump wants to be able to say that we cannot handle our own public safety in Washington state,' he said.
Meanwhile, Republican governors in Virginia, Texas ,Nebraska and Missouri are already mobilising National Guard troops to support law enforcement manage the planned protests.
Virginia Governore Glenn Youngkin told reporters on Friday there will be 'zero tolerance' for violence, destruction or disrupting traffic, and "if you violate the law, you're going to be arrested." The governors of Nebraska and Missouri echoed that sentiment, with the latter vowing he would take a proactive approach and not "wait for chaos to ensue."
A march is also planned to go to the gates of Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where Republican Governor Ron DeSantis warned that "the line is very clear" and should not be crossed.
The nearly 2,000 protests across the country have been organised to express what the organisers say is a rejection of authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarisation of the country's democracy.
Their plan is to explicitly counter the military's 250th anniversary celebration, which Trump. The military parade was added to the celebrations just a few weeks ago, and is expected to attract up to 200,000 people.
The "No Kings" theme was put together by the so-called 50501 Movement, whose name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
Welcome to Budapest, where new legends will rise at the OTP BANK World Judo Championships Hungary 2025.
Before the competition started, the IJF held their Congress at the beautiful Varkert Bazar where IJF President, Mr Vizer stood for re-election unopposed and was applauded by the national federation presidents and general secretaries as his election was duly ratified.
At the Papp László Arena, the crowds were waiting in anticipation to watch their favourite judoka claim their red back patches.
In -48kg, Italy's Assunta SCUTTO claimed her place in the final with impressive judo all morning. Her second time in a World final, could she finally take the gold?
Meeting her there was Kazakhstan's Abiba ABUZHAKYNOVA. The Kazakh was in fantastic form, with impressive footwork throughout the day, but would that be enough to earn her the title?
Heading out for the gold medal match, it was anyone's game. Nearing the end of the contest, SCUTTO scored a yuko to lead the contest and soon after countered an attack, scoring ippon to claim the World title. Two bronzes, a silver, and finally a gold. An emotional victory to complete her collection.
Taishan Group Chairman & Founder, IJF Hon Vice President Mr BIAN Zhiliang awarded the medals.
In the -60kg category, Romain VALADIER PICARD secured his first time in a World final here in Budapest. An impressive feat for the 22 year old.
But facing him was the far more experienced Ryuju NAGAYAMA - could his sixth attempt for the World title finally be the one?
In the gold medal match, Nagayama was dominant. Two waza-ari scores, finally taking him to the pinnacle of the -60kg. And earning him the red backpatch at long last. A performance built on precision, patience, and years of determination.
CHN NOC Vice President Mr ZHOU Jinqiang awarded the medals.
It's been an incredible first day here in Budapest.
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