"No Kings" anti-Trump protests attract millions, organizers say
A demonstrator throws a tear gas canister back at law enforcement during clashes that erupted after authorities declared an unlawful assembly during the “No Kings” protest against the Trump administration in Los Angeles on June 14. Photo: Etienne Laurent/AFP via Getty Images
The big picture: While most rallies passed peacefully, there were reports of clashes between police and protesters during a Los Angeles “No Kings” rally, where days-long fiery demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have been taking place.
- In other incidents during “No Kings” protests, authorities said one person was critically injured in Salt Lake City after gunshots were fired and a man in Culpeper, Virginia, was arrested for allegedly intentionally driving an SUV through a crowd.
State of play: More than 5 million people took part in “No Kings” demonstrations in over 2,100 cities and towns across the country, with an additional 300 “Kick Out the Clowns” rallies being held.
- Philadelphia saw more than 100,000 attendees and Chicago 75,000, while smaller towns such as Pentland, Michigan, reported 400 in a town of 800, organizers said.
Situation report: The Los Angles Police Department issued a dispersal order during an LA “No Kings” protest and alleged the crowd was “throwing rocks, bricks, bottles” and that officers were struck by “commercial grade fireworks” and other objects on Saturday afternoon local time.
- Protesters said law enforcement officers had escalated the situation by using “super aggressive” tactics, per CBS News.
- LA County Sheriff Robert Luna told the outlet his deputy sheriffs were only using less-lethal weapons when they or others were being attacked. “They’re not just using it indiscriminately,” he added.
Zoom out: A shooting targeting lawmakers and killing House Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman in Minnesota led to some event cancellations, but protesters still amassed in the state.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety arrested a person in connection with threats against state lawmakers whom officials said planned to attend Austin’s “No Kings” protest on Saturday. The threats saw Texas’ state capitol briefly evacuated.
Of note: Trump threatened “very big force” against protesters during the military parade.
- The administration has deployed National Guard members and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in response to protests against immigration raids, and massive “No Kings” protests were taking place in the city on Saturday.
The intrigue: “No Kings” organizers intentionally avoided planning any events in Washington, D.C., where Trump planned a military parade on the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and his 79th 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,” organizers wrote.
In photos: “No Kings” protests held across U.S.
People take part in a “No Kings” protest in New York City as President Trump presides over a military parade in Washington, D.C. Photo: Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images
Protesters march with a Trump baby balloon during a nationwide “No Kings” rally in downtown Los Angeles, where the president angered Democratic leaders by deploying the U.S. Marines and the California National Guard during days-long demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Photo: Ringo Chiu/ AFP via Getty Images
Palm Beach Sheriff officers keep protesters from crossing a bridge to President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home during a “No Kings Day” protest on June 14 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Tens of thousands of protesters march past Trump Tower in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
A “No Kings” demonstration in downtown Denver, Colorado. Photo: Esteban L. Hernandez/Axios
A protester holds a U.S. flag and a placard during a “No Kings” rally in Louisville, Kentucky. Photo: Leandro Lozada/AFP via Getty Images
Drag Queen Brigitte Bandit performs during the “No Kings Day” demonstration at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
People take part in a “No Kings” protest at Liberty Plaza in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Elijah Nouvelage/AFP via Getty Images
People take part in a “No Kings” protest outside the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, Michigan. Photo: Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images
A woman at a small “No Kings” protest in Jamestown, North Carolina. Photo: Courtesy of Tessa Platek
Demonstrators take part in the “No Kings” protests in Livingston, Montana. Photo: William Campbell/Getty Images
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Editor’s note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.