Over 5 million people across the United States participated in "No Kings" protests on Saturday, in what organizers called the largest single-day demonstration against President Donald Trump during his second term.

These protests were organized to directly counter Trump's military parade held in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the US Army and the president's 79th birthday.

The widespread mobilization extended to more than 2,100 cities and towns. Major metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia and Chicago saw attendance of over 100,000 and 75,000 people, respectively. Even small communities, like Pentland, Michigan, with a population of 800, saw a turnout of 400 participants. Additionally, around 300 "Kick Out the Clowns" rallies were also held in support of the movement.

Organizers highlighted the diversity and scale of the demonstrations, emphasizing how Americans from all walks of life came together to voice opposition to "strongman politics and corruption."

Violence, arrests during demonstrations

In Los Angeles, tensions escalated when the Los Angeles Police Department issued a dispersal order, alleging that protesters were throwing rocks, bricks, bottles, and even commercial-grade fireworks at officers. Protesters, however, accused police of using "super aggressive" tactics. LA County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that deputy sheriffs deployed less-lethal weapons only in response to being attacked.

In Minnesota, a shooting targeting lawmakers resulted in the death of House Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman. The incident led to the cancellation of several local events, though demonstrators continued to gather in defiance.

In Texas, a suspect was arrested for making threats against lawmakers scheduled to attend the Austin protest, prompting a brief evacuation of the state capitol.

In Culpeper, Virginia, police arrested a 21-year-old man who allegedly drove an SUV into a crowd of demonstrators. Authorities reported no injuries from the incident.

Political reactions, security measures

Trump threatened the use of "very big force" against protesters during his parade. In response to ongoing demonstrations, the administration deployed National Guard troops and US Marines to Los Angeles, particularly in reaction to protests against immigration raids.

Interestingly, "No Kings" organizers intentionally avoided holding events in Washington, D.C., allowing the president's military parade to proceed without disruption. Instead, they aimed to shift national focus by fostering grassroots action in communities across the country.

"Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, we will make action everywhere else the story of America that day," the organizers stated.

Backlash: Military parade to boost Trum's ego

The turnout for the "No Kings" protest surpassed even April's "Hands Off!" rallies, drawing 2 million more participants. 

In response to unrest in Democratic strongholds, Trump has ordered National Guard and Marine deployments to Los Angeles, a move challenged in court by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Protesters and observers have labeled the parade an authoritarian show of force rather than a national celebration, especially as the cost of the event, estimated between $25 million and $45 million, draws criticism amid broader budget cuts.

Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democratic combat veteran, slammed the event as a self-serving spectacle: "You're not doing it to celebrate the Army's birthday. You're doing it to stroke Donald Trump's ego," she told a congressional hearing.

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