PHILADELPHIA (AP) — In a powerful display of dissent, masses of demonstrators flooded streets, parks, and plazas across the United States on Saturday, protesting President Donald Trump as part of the “No Kings” movement.
Organizers claimed that millions participated in hundreds of events nationwide, advocating for democratic values and immigrant rights while blaring anti-authoritarian chants.
In light of the protests, governors across the nation urged calm and assured a zero-tolerance policy toward any violence, with some deploying the National Guard to prepare for the anticipated gatherings.
While most protests proceeded without major incidents, some confrontations occurred, notably in Los Angeles.
Police there, still reeling from recent protests related to federal immigration raids, used tear gas and crowd-control munitions to disperse demonstrators following the conclusion of a formal event.
Samantha Edgerton, a 37-year-old bartender, stated, “It was a total 100% overreaction. We weren’t doing anything but standing around chanting peaceful protest.”
Protests manifested as vibrant and spirited gatherings from coast to coast, with large crowds in urban areas like New York, Denver, Chicago, and Austin.
In Atlanta, a demonstration quickly outgrew the initially designated space, with thousands overflowed outside barriers to hear speakers at the state Capitol.
As the protests occurred nationwide, President Trump celebrated his birthday in Washington, where he attended a military parade marking the Army’s 250th anniversary.
Anti-Trump sentiments were palpable among demonstrators, with a significant gathering forming in northwest Washington’s Logan Circle.
The crowd chanted “Trump must go now” while a larger-than-life puppet portraying Trump in a crown and seated on a golden toilet made its way through the sea of protesters.
Demonstrators exhibited diverse expressions of solidarity.
Some were distributed miniature American flags, while others displayed their flags upside down—signifying distress.
In Los Angeles, familiar symbols appeared, including Mexican flags, which have become prominent in protests against immigration enforcement.
In Culpepper, Virginia, tensions escalated when an SUV driver intentionally accelerated into a crowd, injuring at least one person.
The 21-year-old driver was charged with reckless driving as the climate of unrest surrounding immigration policy continued to provoke fervent activism across the nation.
The “No Kings” Coalition reiterated the urgency of these protests after the recent immigration enforcement actions, asserting, “Today, across red states and blue, rural towns and major cities, Americans stood in peaceful unity and made it clear: we don’t do kings.”
Philadelphia served as one of the many backdrop scenes for the protests.
Thousands gathered downtown where small American flags were distributed amid demonstrators brandishing signs with messages like “fight oligarchy” and “deport the mini-Mussolinis.”
Karen Van Trieste, a 61-year-old nurse from Maryland, expressed her growing concern for democracy, reflecting on the administration’s treatment of immigrant communities and the mass layoffs occurring at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Accompanied by a foam Statue of Liberty crown, one protest leader even led an anti-Trump sing-along, changing the lyrics of the song “Y.M.C.A.” to criticize the administration.
A Bolivian immigrant, C.C. Téllez, shared her perspective, stating, “I am what the successful American dream looks like. I’ve enjoyed great success here in the United States, and I’ve also contributed heavily to my community.”
Conversations among demonstrators reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that America remained a land of opportunity for all.
In Los Angeles, as thousands flocked to City Hall, spirits remained high with Native American drumming accompanying the crowd.
Most demonstrators had amicable interactions with National Guard troops, including exchanging fist bumps, although a few expressed their discontent by chanting “shame” and “go home.”
The atmosphere shifted when police on horseback charged into the crowd, leading to confrontations as officers sought to maintain control.
Protesters were joyous before these actions occurred, celebrating their unity and resilience even amidst the heightened tensions with law enforcement.
In New York City, the diversity of protest motivations became apparent, with attendees voicing opposition to Trump’s immigration policies while also advocating for the marginalized.
Leah Griswold and Amber Laree, marching in suffragette white outfits, distributed American flags to symbolize a commitment to women’s rights and suffrage.
“Our mothers who came out, fought for our rights, and now we’re fighting for future generations as well,” Griswold asserted, her words echoing the generational struggle for social justice.
Amid mounting concerns about the future, Sean Kryston, a 28-year-old activist, noted the pervasive anxiety stemming from broader issues, stating, “We’re here because we’re worried about the existential crisis of this country and the planet and our species.”
In Minnesota, safety concerns loomed after violence against Democratic lawmakers overshadowed some planned events.
Although many rallies were canceled, tens of thousands still turned out in cities like Duluth and St. Paul, exemplifying their determination to voice their beliefs publicly.
Despite the state’s governor Tim Walz canceling his attendance at one rally, the spirit of the protests remained intact as locals expressed their belief in fighting for their communities.
Seda Heng of Rochester expressed her grief over recent violent events but emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity.
In North Carolina, demonstrators in Charlotte rallied and chanted, led by a group waving a giant Mexican flag.
Jocelyn Abarca, a college student attending the protest, recognized the significance of advocacy, stating, “If we don’t stop it now, it’s just going to keep getting worse.”
The message resonated with Naomi Mena, who traveled to speak out on behalf of friends and family who feel unable to express their voices publicly.
Even amidst sweeping demonstrations across the country, protests in Texas remained undeterred from their intended paths, despite temporary shutdowns related to credible threats against lawmakers.
At the Texas Capitol in Austin, crowds gathered as planned, with state troopers momentarily disrupting proceedings before allowing the event to unfold.
In Mississippi, hundreds joined a demonstration that was energized by the sounds of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” playing from loudspeakers.
A participant, Tony Cropper, expressed his emotional connection to the event, appreciating the solidarity from a diverse crowd united in resistance against discriminatory policies.
As some attendees donned tinfoil crowns, others invited motorists to “Honk if you never text war plans,” exemplifying the creativity and humor characteristic of the protests.
Melissa Johnson drove over an hour to ensure her voice was heard, lamenting, “We are losing the thread of democracy in our country.”
The nationwide protests encapsulated a powerful moment in American history, as citizens across the political spectrum rallied together against perceived injustices, calling for an end to the divisive rhetoric and policies.
The spirit of democracy resonated in every slogan and chant, as diverse groups united in a profound reflection on their rightful place in the nation’s narrative.
image source from：https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/protesters-gather-across-the-u-s-at-nationwide-anti-trump-no-kings-rallies
