Nationwide protests took place on Saturday as demonstrators gathered in numerous communities to voice concerns over President Trump's actions, described by many as an overreach of presidential power. Protests occurred in major cities and small towns throughout all 50 states, organized under the slogan "No Kings." The demonstrations were largely motivated by issues such as the Trump administration's immigration policies and military parade planned for the evening.
Approximately 2,000 events were held, featuring participants engaging in patriotic expressions. While many rallies on the East Coast concluded by midday, protests continued into the evening in cities like Los Angeles, where tensions escalated as demonstrators clashed with police and military personnel.
In St. Paul, Minnesota, a rally served as a tribute to State Representative Melissa Hortman, who was tragically killed by a gunman impersonating a police officer. Authorities subsequently canceled planned events in Minnesota amid a search for the suspect.
Most protests were peaceful, with notable exceptions in cities like Los Angeles where police utilized tear gas in response to escalated tensions. Additionally, several individuals were arrested due to confrontations with demonstrators, including incidents in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Culpeper County, Virginia.
Despite some confrontations, many protests exhibited a festive atmosphere, with participants sharing their motivations for attending. Concerns spanned various issues, from immigration policy to civil rights, reflecting the diverse reasons individuals felt compelled to protest against the current administration.
The No Kings protests were organized by over 200 groups, including political and advocacy organizations. Notably, there were no events scheduled in Washington, D.C. to avoid overshadowing the military parade scheduled for Trump’s birthday.
In Texas, state Capitol grounds were temporarily closed following a credible threat to lawmakers amid heightened security concerns in light of recent violent incidents targeting elected officials in Minnesota. Law enforcement managed to address the threat before reopening the area.
Overall, the protests across the nation aimed to express opposition to the perceived authoritarianism of the Trump administration while emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and nonviolent action.