PHILADELPHIA — A wave of protests swept through cities and towns across the United States on Saturday, June 14, 2025, as demonstrators rallied against President Donald Trump in what was dubbed the “No Kings” movement.
Activists estimated that millions participated in hundreds of events nationwide, calling for the protection of democracy and immigrant rights while condemning authoritarian rule.
In various states, governors urged calm and announced a zero-tolerance policy towards violence, with some activating the National Guard ahead of the anticipated gatherings.
While most events remained peaceful, isolated clashes occurred. In Los Angeles, protests sparked by federal immigration enforcement escalated a week earlier. Police utilized tear gas and crowd control measures to disperse demonstrators after the formal activities concluded.
Portland also witnessed unrest as officers fired tear gas and projectiles to clear a crowd protesting outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
In Salt Lake City, a shooting incident occurred during a downtown march, leaving one person critically injured. Authorities reported that three individuals were taken into custody, including a man suspected of being the shooter, who suffered a gunshot wound himself. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd indicated it was unclear if the shooting had any political affiliations.
Crowds were sizeable in cities like New York, Denver, Chicago, and Austin, with demonstrators carrying signs and chanting slogans such as “no kings.” In Atlanta, a rally became so large that it exceeded the 5,000-capacity limit, leading to thousands more gathering outside to hear speeches directed at state lawmakers.
Seattle officials estimated over 70,000 individuals attended the city’s largest demonstration downtown, as reported by the Seattle Times.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump participated in a military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary and coinciding with his birthday. Protesters in Logan Circle, just a few blocks away, assembled to express their displeasure, chanting, “Trump must go now.” A large puppet depicting Trump as a king on a golden toilet was among the eye-catching displays.
The demonstrations featured a mix of American flags and other symbols, with some protesters deliberately displaying flags upside down as a sign of distress. The presence of Mexican flags was also notable, particularly in Los Angeles, where they have become emblematic of protests against immigration raids.
In Culpepper, Virginia, an alarming incident unfolded when an SUV drove into a crowd, striking one person. Authorities allege the driver intentionally accelerated into protesters, leading to charges of reckless driving.
These protests followed a recent surge in demonstrations against federal immigration raids initiated under President Trump’s administration, which had seen National Guard and Marine deployments in cities like Los Angeles.
In a statement following the events, the No Kings Coalition emphasized that Americans from both red and blue states, urban areas and rural towns, united peacefully to reject authoritarian leadership, stating, “We don’t do kings.”
In Philadelphia, thousands gathered downtown, where participants waved flags and carried poignant signs reading “fight oligarchy” and “deport the mini-Mussolinis.”
Karen Van Trieste, a 61-year-old nurse from Maryland, expressed her commitment to defending democracy amidst growing concerns about the government administration’s actions, including layoffs at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Subsequently, a woman donned a foam Statue of Liberty crown led a sing-along, creatively altering lyrics of the iconic song “Y.M.C.A.” to criticize the president.
C.C. Téllez, an immigrant from Bolivia, articulated her perspective on the American dream, highlighting her personal success in the country and advocating for inclusivity and belonging for all.
In Los Angeles, a vibrant crowd gathered at City Hall, where demonstrators participated in Native American drum circles and waved banners.
While most interactions with National Guard troops were congenial, some protesters voiced their discontent with chants of “shame” directed at the stationed troops.
Creative displays were present, including a 2-foot-tall piñata of Trump, complete with a crown and sombrero, and a large helium balloon designed to represent the president.
A few blocks away, protesters gathered outside a federal detention center, supported by Marines and law enforcement for protection. The presence of the Marines in combat gear indicated the seriousness of the situation, as this marked their first appearance at protests since deployment.
Peter Varadi, who had previously voted for Trump, reflected on his changing perspective, saying he now regretted that choice due to what he perceived as a dangerous rise in fascism impacting Latinos and other communities.
Despite the upbeat atmosphere following the event, tensions flared when police on horseback moved into the crowd, using wooden rods and batons to clear streets near the federal building.
In New York City, demonstrators marched for several blocks along Fifth Avenue, expressing diverse motives including opposition to Trump’s immigration policy and support for free speech rights.
Leah Griswold and Amber Laree, donning suffragette white dresses, passed out 250 American flags as a tribute to women’s rights activists of the past.
Sean Kryston, a 28-year-old protester, voiced concerns regarding the existential threats facing both the nation and the planet.
In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz and law enforcement advised against attending rallies after recent shootings involving Democratic state lawmakers.
Though several events were canceled out of an abundance of caution, tens of thousands still attended demonstrations across cities like Duluth, Rochester, and St. Paul, which included a notable march to the state Capitol.
Seda Heng from Rochester expressed her desire to join the rally, emphasizing the vital work lawmakers do for their communities.
In North Carolina, demonstrators rallied in Charlotte’s First Ward Park, chanting, “No kings. No crowns. We will not bow down,” while captivating marchers waved a giant Mexican flag.
Jocelyn Abarca, a college student, articulated the necessity to speak out against mass deportations and the military presence under Trump’s orders to protect vulnerable communities.
Texas witnessed a rally at the state Capitol in Austin, which proceeded as planned despite a temporary shutdown of the building due to a credible threat to Democratic lawmakers.
Authorities indicated that one individual had been apprehended in connection to the threat following a routine traffic stop.
In Mississippi, hundreds gathered on the state Capitol lawn in Jackson to vocalize their discontent, with music playing in the background setting a spirited ambiance.
Tony Cropper, who traveled from Tennessee, noted the emotional significance of many attendees uniting for shared causes beyond race.
Many activists creatively adorned themselves with tinfoil crowns or held humorous signs intending to draw attention to their message, including one urging passing motorists to honk against militarization.
Finally, in Portland, protesters gathered for earlier demonstrations, only to see tensions escalate later in the day. Signs were waved in support of various causes, accompanied by drumming and music.
Later, a small group of protesters clashed with federal immigration officers outside an ICE facility, leading to arrests and the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by authorities to manage the crowd.
This complex and dynamic day of protests illustrated the growing resistance against perceived authoritarianism and the standing commitment among many Americans to safeguard democratic values.
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