Unstoppable Resistance and Rallies Across America
Nationwide demonstrations opposing Trump's presidency
New York City/Los Angeles (dpa) - The biggest wave of protests yet against President Donald Trump's policies swept across the U.S., with folks taking to the streets in droves. Organizers reported over 5 million participants in a staggering 2,100 cities on the same day as Trump's military parade in Washington.
These marches, held under the banner "No Kings", denounced Trump's authoritarian streak and his contentious immigration policies, including plans for mass deportations.
Chaos Erupts in LA
The protests for the most part remained peaceable. However, chaos broke out in downtown Los Angeles in the afternoon. Police had to deploy tear gas to quell demonstrators near a government building, alleging that rocks and bottles had been hurled from the crowd. Several arrests were reported in New York City, as per CNN's reports, while protests in Minnesota were called off following attacks on two Democratic politicians. In Salt Lake City, Utah, police are currently investigating a shooting incident that left a person seriously injured. Videos circulating online show shots being fired and protesters fleeing in a panic.
Despite the majority of Americans expressing opposition to the parade, Trump went ahead with the event, which marked the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and coincided with his 79th birthday. Trump's party, the Republicans, supported the spectacle.
"This is what democracy looks like"
Thousands of protesters braved the rain in New York, with organizers estimating around 200,000 people took part. They repeatedly chanted, "This is what democracy looks like" and demanded Trump's impeachment. Signs criticized the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, with some bearing slogans like, "If I wanted a dictator, I'd ask my cat."
Crowds filled cities like Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles in TV footage. In the coastal city of Santa Monica, adjacent to Los Angeles, a dpa reporter observed several thousand protesters. The vibe was lively, with music playing and the chant "Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go" (roughly: Donald Trump must go) echoing regularly. Less frequently, slogans like "Fuck ICE" could be heard. The agency had been under fire for its raids and arrests.
"We don't allow dictators"
In the West Coast metropolis of San Francisco and the neighboring city of Oakland, thousands of people marched in protest, basking in a clear blue sky. At Ocean Beach, a city beach in San Francisco, hundreds of protesters formed the words "NO KING!" in large letters in the sand.
Celebrities like Mark Ruffalo, famous for his role as the Hulk in Marvel films, joined the protests in New York. Actresses Glenn Close, Anna Kendrick, and Tessa Thompson posted videos from the protests on their Instagram accounts. TV host Jimmy Kimmel demonstrated with his parents in San Francisco wearing a T-shirt with the slogan "Make America Good Again" - a playful jab at the MAGA slogan of Trump supporters.
Barbara Lee, the mayor of Oakland, stated at a rally, "We are her to remind our country that this is a democracy. No kings allowed," the politician declared. "We don't allow dictators in a democracy." The mayor of San Francisco, Daniel Lurie, had previously urged for peaceful protests, warning that any violence or destructive behavior would not be tolerated.
"Refuse Fascism"
Protests heading towards Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida were halted by police. In Washington, D.C., no "No-Kings" events were planned, but the "Refuse Fascism" coalition organized a smaller demonstration. Meanwhile, in Miami, there was a counter-protest celebrating Trump's birthday, as per NBC's report.
National Guard members deployed by Trump in Los Angeles emphasized, "We are here to protect buildings and officials - and the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the First Amendment." They acknowledged that residents might feel upset about their presence.
Local Hamm News
- Unassuming Coronavirus Variant in Hamm
- Police Warning: Scam Emails Using Child Images in Hamm
- Double Celebration for Two Kindergartens in Hamm
Headline to Hamm's Top Stories Today
In the spirit of democracy, thousands in cities across America, including New York and Los Angeles, took to the streets as part of the "No Kings" marches, denouncing President Trump's policies and demanding his impeachment. Meanwhile, in the district of Hamm, local news highlights include a warning about scam emails and a double celebration for two kindergartens.
