"No More Kings" - Nationwide Protests Rock America as Trump's Birthday Parade Concludes
- ~ 3 Min Read
Mass demonstrations nationwide, resulting in gunshot wounds amidst controversial Trump administration policy disputes. - Nationwide demonstrations against President Trump result in multiple people being struck by bullets.
The nation's capital has recently witnessed the largest wave of demonstrations against President Donald Trump's administration, with people marching on streets across the United States. Organizers estimated a staggering five million participants in over 2,100 cities, coinciding with Trump's military parade in Washington.
These demonstrations, themed "No More Kings," depicted the public's anger over Trump's controversial stance on authoritarianism and his controversial immigration policy, bolstered by large-scale deportations.
Chaos Erupts in Los Angeles and New York
Despite the largely peaceful protests, tensions escalated in downtown Los Angeles in the afternoon, as cops deployed tear gas outside a government building to disperse the crowds. According to CNN, several protesters were arrested in New York. Worse still, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a shooting took place during the protest, leaving an individual gravely injured and now receiving treatment in the hospital. Details of the incident are still hazy, with videos online showing a scene of panic and apparent gunfire.
Meanwhile, Trump held a military parade in Washington on his birthday to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Although most polls indicate that the public disapproves of the parade, it has the backing of Trump’s Republican Party.
New York City Roars with Defiance
Thousands defied the rain in New York, with organizers estimating around 200,000 individuals on the streets. Reiterating "This is what democracy looks like," the protesters called for Trump’s removal and expressed their dissatisfaction with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE). Many signs criticized ICE's actions, with one reading, "If I wanted a dictator, I'd ask my cat."
Cities like Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles also saw massive crowds. In the Santa Monica coastal city adjacent to Los Angeles, a dpa reporter observed several thousand protesters. The atmosphere was friendly, with music playing over loudspeakers. The chant "Donald Trump has got to go" could be heard frequently, while the less common "Fuck ICE" criticized the agency's raids and arrests.
"We Don't Allow Dictators" - San Francisco and Oakland Speak Up
Thousands of people flocked to the streets in the West Coast metropolis of San Francisco and its neighboring city of Oakland. Protestors at San Francisco's Ocean Beach formed themselves into large letters spelling out "NO KING!" in the sand.
Stars like Mark Ruffalo, Glenn Close, Anna Kendrick, and Tessa Thompson participated in the protests, while Jimmy Kimmel demonstrated with his parents, donning a t-shirt that read "Make America Good Again" — a nod to Trump supporters' popular slogan.
San Francisco's Mayor, Daniel Lurie, previously called for peaceful protests, promising that destructive behavior would not be tolerated. On the other hand, Oakland's Mayor, Barbara Lee, declared at a rally, "We do not allow dictators in a democracy."
Polarized Opinions and Counter-Protests Across the Nation
In Florida, protesters heading towards Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence were stopped by police. In the capital, Washington, no "No-Kings" events were planned, but the coalition "Refuse Fascism" organized a smaller demonstration. Meanwhile, a counter-protest took place in Miami, where celebrators wished Trump a happy birthday, according to NBC.
Members of the National Guard dispatched by Trump emphasized their mission to "protect buildings and officials, as guaranteed by the First Amendment." They acknowledged the frustration felt by city residents regarding their presence.
- Donald Trump
- Los Angeles
- USA
- Washington
- New York
- Salt Lake City
- Military Parade
Additional Insights
The "No More Kings" ProtestsThe nationwide "No More Kings" protests were part of a coordinated day of demonstrations against the Trump administration, focusing on policies perceived as threatening to democratic rights and civil liberties[1][2]. The protests coincided with Trump's birthday and the military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army[2].
Circumstances of the Salt Lake City Protest
- Purpose and Scale: The Salt Lake City protest attracted thousands and included people of all ages carrying American flags, signs, and symbols supporting democracy, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration[2][1].
- Turn to Violence: On Saturday evening, the peaceful protest in Salt Lake City turned violent, culminating in a critical shooting that left one protester in grave condition[1][4].
The Impact of the Violence in Salt Lake City
- Human Impact: The shooting resulted in the severe injury of one protester[1][4].
- Public Safety and Police Response: Authorities responded swiftly to the violence, apprehending the suspected perpetrators[1].
- Political and Social Repercussions: The violent event in Salt Lake City led to increased concern over the potential for violence during large public demonstrations and sparked national attention, highlighting both the scale of opposition to President Trump and the consequences of such events.
- In the midst of nationwide protests against President Donald Trump's administration and his polarizing policies, the city of Salt Lake City witnessed a shooting during a protest, leaving one individual severely injured.
- The "No More Kings" protests, focusing on perceived threats to democratic rights and civil liberties, drew millions of participants across over 2,100 cities in the USA, coinciding with Trump's controversial military parade in Washington, D.C. The protests also strove to address issues such as immigration, authoritarianism, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. These demonstrations spanned various cities, including Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, with notable celebrities like Mark Ruffalo and Glenn Close participating. In terms of coverage, the movements were categorized under 'politics' and 'general-news,' while incidents like the Salt Lake City shooting fell under 'crime-and-justice.'
