Tens of thousands of Americans take part in 'No Kings' rallies
Tens of thousands of Americans protested President Donald Trump at rallies and marches in major cities from New York to Los Angeles on Saturday, a day marred by the assassination of a Democratic lawmaker in Minnesota and conflict in the Middle East.
The protests marked the largest outpouring of opposition to Trump's presidency since he returned to power in January, and came the same day that thousands of military personnel, vehicles and aircraft will march through and fly over Washington, DC, in a parade celebrating the US Army's 250th anniversary.
Advertisement
Saturday is also Trump's 79th birthday.
National Guard troops and U.S. Marines are also in Los Angeles, having been ordered there by Trump to secure the heavily Democratic city amid protests over his immigration policies - a deployment that California Governor Gavin Newsom has challenged in court.
Anti-Trump groups planned nearly 2,000 demonstrations across the country to coincide with the parade. Many are taking place under the theme "No Kings," asserting that no individual is above the law.
All planned "No Kings" protests in Minnesota were cancelled following that Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said was the "politically motivated assassination" of one Democratic lawmaker and wounding of a second.
Advertisement
Authorities in Minnesota said that flyers promoting the protests were found in the suspected gunman's car. A massive manhunt was under way.
Trump condemned the shootings, saying in a social media post: "Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America."
The Texas Department of Public Safety said in a statement it had identified a credible threat against state lawmakers planning to attend a Saturday protest, and had evacuated the state capitol and its grounds.
People in Washington for the parade encountered a massive security presence, with some 18.5 miles (30 km) of 8-foot (2.4 m)-high black fencing, much of it reinforced with concrete traffic barriers, cordoning off streets and surrounding landmarks including the Washington Monument.
Advertisement
The celebrations will cost the US Army between $25 million (€21 million) and $45 million, US officials have told Reuters. That includes the parade itself as well as the cost of moving equipment and housing and feeding the troops.
Critics have called the parade an authoritarian display of power that is wasteful, especially given Trump has said he wants to slash costs throughout the federal government.
In downtown Los Angeles, several thousand protesters began marching, packed shoulder to shoulder and stretching along nearly a dozen city blocks.
The protest was peaceful at midday. American flags, many flown upside down, far outnumbered the Mexican flags at the rally.
Advertisement
Erika Rice, 46, said she was moved to attend her first protest because of Trump's decision to use the military to assist ICE on immigration raids and to protect federal buildings in her city.
'Using the military here is a disgusting displaying of trying to wield power over the American people and over immigrants,' Rice said.
Despite rain, thousands of people of all ages turned out in and around Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, many carrying homemade signs that played off the 'No Kings' theme. 'No crown for a clown,' said one. Actor Mark Ruffalo was among the demonstrators, wearing a hat that read "immigrant."
'We're seeing dehumanizing language towards LGBT people, towards people with autism, towards people with other disabilities, racial minorities, undocumented people,' said Cooper Smith, 20, from upstate New York. 'Somebody's got to show that most Americans are against this.'
Advertisement
Thousands packed Chicago's Daley Plaza and surrounding streets on Saturday under the iconic Picasso statue. Some chanted "Lock him up!" in reference to the president.
Allan Hallie, a 70-year-old retired gastroenterologist, traveled from the northwest Indiana town of Ogden Dunes to protest policies of the Trump administration.
World
US state politician and husband killed in 'targete...
Read More
'I am quite afraid of the direction of this country,' he said.
Members of the far-right Proud Boys, ardent Trump supporters, appeared at an Atlanta "No Kings" protest, wearing the group's distinctive black and yellow colors.
About 400 protesters, organized by a group called RefuseFascism.org, marched through Washington and gathered for a rally in a park opposite the White House. Trump had warned people against protesting at the parade itself, saying that "they're going to be met with very big force."
Sunsara Taylor, a founder of RefuseFascism, told the crowd, 'Today we refuse to accept Donald Trump unleashing the military against the people of this country and in the streets of this country. We say, 'hell no.''
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Unearthed video shows Minnesota shooting suspect dancing at bizarre religious ceremony as links to Africa are revealed
Newly unearthed video shows Vance Boelter, the subject of a massive FBI manhunt, dancing in a church service as his links to Africa were revealed. The video, filmed in February 2023, shows Boelter, 57, delivering a passionate testimony about how he met Jesus at the age of 17. 'I met the Lord when I was 17 years old and I gave my life to Jesus Christ,' he says in the clip. He goes on to describe naming his five children after Christian virtues, Grace, Faith, Hope, Joy, and David, in what he calls a testament to God's blessings on his life. But Boelter the preacher is now the prime suspect in what authorities have described as a targeted political assassination. Boelter is accused of posing as a police officer and fatally shooting Democratic Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband inside their Brooklyn Park home early on Saturday. Hours earlier, Boelter allegedly shot and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home in nearby Champlin. In that case, both victims survived but remain in hospital The video shows Boelter not only preaching but also describing himself as a man transformed by God. His passionate 25 minute sermon stands in stark contrast to the grim reality of the manhunt now underway. The footage comes to light as it was revealed Boelter was the CEO of a security company called The Red Lion Group, which is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Red Lion Group has since deleted its website and LinkedIn pages, but Boelter's LinkedIn said he started at the company in December 2021. He also worked with Minnesota Africans United, a statewide organization working with African immigrants in the state. Two years ago, Boelter announced ago that he was in the country with his company, working on 'private business projects.' He claimed to have business ventures in a host of industries including fishing, farming, media, security, and motorcycle-taxis all within the Democratic Republic of Congo. 'We're partnering with 400 farmers who are ready to go on a farming project… we're doing a fishing project that works with like 500 fishermans…that's off the coast of Rwanda,' Boelter stated in an online video. 'Another one that we're looking at doing is a totally women led motorcycle-taxi business, where all the operators are women, and the leadership is women, so we're excited to get that off the ground,' Boelter explained in his pitch. 'I would like to get 1,000 female motorcycle-taxis running in the near future but we need some sponsors to invest in that,' he went on. About one month ago Boelter updated his LinkedIn to say he had returned to the US and was looking for work in the food industry on the corporate side. 'I'm looking for roles in Texas, Minnesota, Florida, and Washington DC-Baltimore area ideally, but would look at other locations if I felt it was a good fit,' he wrote. Boelter also has armed security experience in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and North America through the Praetorian Guard Security Services, a biography about him on the site said. 'He brings a great security aspect forged by both many on the ground experiences combined with training by both private security firms and by people in the US Military,' it reads. 'Vance has focused all this experience to make sure Praetorian Guard Security Services covers the needs you have to keep your family and property safe.' He had previously worked at 7-Eleven and Geencore as a general manager, a system manager at Del Monte Foods, and a operational leader at Johnsonville Sausage, according to his LinkedIn. His LinkedIn also revealed his deep connections to politics, as he asked his followers to vote ahead of the 2020 election. Boelter, a husband and father-of-five, holds degrees in international relations, management, and leadership for the advancement of learning and service from various Minnesota and Wisconsin universities. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter's arrest, and authorities have described him as armed, dangerous, and potentially targeting more lawmakers. The footage shows Boelter delivering an emotionally charged sermon to a small congregation. He can be heard preaching about repentance, God's plan, and the power of faith as the ultimate equalizer between rich and poor. At one point, he describes his family as a divine gift and says, 'God has a plan for each of us... and no one can take you out of it - only you can walk away.' The message is intensely spiritual while also laced with a level of determination that authorities now fear may have spiraled into extremist belief. Law enforcement sources say Boelter left behind 'No Kings' flyers and written manifestos naming Hortman, Hoffman, and other elected officials. Though officials have not publicly stated a motive, one source said that Boelter's writings expressed rage toward pro-choice lawmakers and contained elements of anti-government ideology. Boelter is a former political appointee who served on Minnesota's workforce development board - the same one as Senator Hoffman, though it's unclear how well the two men knew each other. He also ran a private security firm with his wife, Praetorian Guard Security Services, which promoted armed event security and featured imagery of tactical gear and patrol vehicles resembling police cruisers. Police say Boelter used that look to his advantage. After allegedly shooting the Hoffmans around 2am, officers responded to the second scene at Hortman's house and found Boelter outside, dressed as a law enforcement officer and standing next to a police-style vehicle. When they approached, he opened fire and escaped on foot during the exchange. Inside his vehicle, investigators recovered multiple AK-style rifles. Authorities say he is still believed to be armed with a pistol. Governor Tim Walz called the killings 'a politically motivated assassination' and warned of broader threats against public officials in a nation increasingly beset by political violence. 'We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,' Walz said at a press conference earlier in the day as he ordered flags to fly at half-staff in Hortman's honor. The former House Speaker, 55, was a central figure in Minnesota politics, known for her support of expanded abortion access and her role in a high-profile standoff with Republicans earlier this year. Her husband, Mark Hortman, died later at the hospital. Autopsies show both died from multiple gunshot wounds. Hoffman, 60, remains in critical but stable condition after surgery. Walz said he is 'cautiously optimistic' about the senator's recovery. The attacks prompted a sweeping security response across the Twin Cities, including the cancellation of several anti-Trump 'No Kings' demonstrations that Boelter may have been monitoring. State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic said the suspect's car contained flyers from the group and writings that mentioned potential future targets. Boelter reportedly texted friends just before the shootings, writing cryptically: 'I've made some choices... I'm going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly. I just want to let you know I love you guys and I wish it hadn't gone this way.' As the FBI, state police, and local law enforcement fan out in search of him, residents remain shaken by the attacks. 'This is crazy - someone going after representatives?' said Douglas Thompson, a Brooklyn Park resident. 'This is wrong. I'm hoping they'll catch him.'
The Herald Scotland
32 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Trump gets a military parade for his birthday as US president turns 79
Members of the president's family will be in town for the occasion, two sources familiar with the president's plans said. Trump's birthday and the parade fall on Father's Day weekend, which is the following day. Rain or shine? Trump offers update on weather's impact on military parade The parade that could cost the federal government as much as $45 million to put on is also expected to draw protesters, as critics of the administration participate in "No Kings" Day demonstrations across the country. Organizers say they expect millions of Americans to turn out across the country at the protests, some 2,000 of which are taking place nationwide, to show their displeasure with Trump's expansive use of executive authority. The president came under heavy scrutiny this week after he sent the National Guard and marines to Los Angeles amid protests. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other national Democrats criticized the move as authoritarian. Trump turns 79 Trump and former President Joe Biden's ages were a flashpoint in last year's presidential campaign. Biden quit the Democratic ticket after several episodes, including a debate with Trump, raised doubts about his ability to do the job. Biden turned 82 in November. He was the oldest president in American history. In January, Trump became the oldest U.S. president to be inaugurated, at age 78. Like Biden, he will be 82 at the end of his term. His White House physician, Sean Barbabella, said in April that Trump "remains in excellent health," due to his "active lifestyle," including public appearances and "frequent victories in golf events." Thunderstorms and rain are expected Saturday. Trump frequently plays golf over the weekend but was not expected to on his birthday. The military parade comes amid an explosive conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump also has a trip to Canada on Sunday to meet with leaders of the world's top economies. A 'grand' parade The president's birthday-themed parade was eight years in the making. He's been floating the idea since before his first inauguration. Trump told the Washington Post in 2017 that he wanted to show off America's military at parades in Washington, D.C. and New York. Trump drew inspiration from the Bastille Day celebration that takes place in Paris every July 14. The president and first lady Melania Trump attended the military parade as guests of French President Emmanuel Macron in the summer of 2017. Trump's inspiration: Trump's getting his military parade. Here's what they look like from France to Russia He told Macron later that year that he wanted to have a "really great parade to show our military strength" after what he witnessed during his visit to France. "We may do something like that on July 4th in Washington," Trump told Macron. "We're going to have to try and top it." That year Macron rolled down the Champs-Elysees in a military jeep. Trump will be watching his parade on Constitution Avenue from a viewing stand. According to America250, which is organizing the event, veterans, active-duty troops, wounded warriors and Gold Star Families will be in attendance, in addition to members of the general public. As many as 120 vehicles, including Abrams tanks, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and military helicopters are expected to be part of the display of American military hardware. "We want to show off a little bit," Trump said in a June 10 speech at Fort Bragg. Bringing up events commemorating WWII that recently took place in Europe and America's role in the war, Trump said, "France was celebrating. Really, they were all celebrating. The only one that doesn't celebrate is the USA, and we're the ones that won the war." "We're going to celebrate on Saturday," Trump added. "And we're going to celebrate from now on."
The Herald Scotland
32 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Where are the 'No Kings' protests and demonstrations being held
All of the "No Kings" marches, rallies and demonstrations were deliberately organized to coincide with the Army's "Grand Military Parade and Celebration, which also falls on Trump's 79th birthday and Flag Day. Administration officials insist it is a coincidence that the parade falls on Trump's birthday. "Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, we will make action everywhere else the story of America that day: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption," according to a statement posted on the official "No Kings" event website. The "No Kings" demonstrations are expected to be the largest and most numerous protests since Trump's second term began, dwarfing the Hands Off! protests in early April that drew as many as 1 million Americans to the streets at more than 1,000 rallies. "They've defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services," reads a statement from the official "No Kings" event website. "The corruption has gone too. far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings." Here is how to check where "No Kings" demonstrations will take place. When, where are the 'No Kings' protests taking place? The "No Kings" protests will take place on June 14 in 1,800 communities across the country. A map of "No Kings" protest locations, down to the exact location and timeframe, can be seen below. 'No Kings' protest locations Contributing Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY
