“No Kings” demonstrators marched in hundreds of cities on Saturday to protest what organizers describe as President Donald Trump’s authoritarian agenda, including recent immigration raids that have rattled communities across the country. Millions of people were estimated to have joined the protests in over 2,000 communities.
The protests occurred the same day as a military parade in Washington, D.C., officially commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary, but seen by many as a spectacle in service of President Donald Trump’s Saturday birthday.
The protests remained largely peaceful, though there were several violent outbursts, including in Salt Lake City, where a gunman opened fire and left one person in “life-threatening condition.” Authorities acted swiftly and apprehended the alleged gunman, as well as two others they believe were involved in the shooting.
Drivers also struck protesters in both San Francisco and Virginia, and a threat against lawmakers in Texas prompted the evacuation of the state capitol building.
The flashes of violence come after a week of chaotic protests in Los Angeles. About 30,000 joined “No Kings” protests around the city on Saturday, largely without incident, though police deployed flash bang grenades, tear gas and officers on horseback to disperse a crowd outside a federal building downtown.
A White House official dismissed the “No Kings” protests as a “complete and utter failure with minuscule attendance.”
Key points
- From San Fran to Mar-a-Lago: Thousands march for ‘No Kings’
- Curfew takes effect in Los Angeles
- In Los Angeles, 'No Kings' protests join existing unrest
- At least one injured as vehicle hits San Francisco marchers
- Another reported auto incident at 'No Kings' protest, this one in Virginia
- Trump official blasts 'No Kings' protests as 'utter failure'
- Where arrests have taken place during 'No Kings' protests
Protests expected at around 2,000 locations across the US
Saturday 14 June 2025 11:13 , Holly BancroftProtests against the Trump administration are expected at around 2,000 sites across the US on Saturday.
Ezra Levin, co-founder of one of the groups behind the protests, Indivisible, said: “We’ve seen hundreds of new events on the No Kings Day map since the weekend. We’ve seen hundreds of thousands of people register for those events.”
The demonstrations will protest against president Donald Trump’s deportations, attacks on civil rights, and challenges to the courts, according to organisers.
A website for the protest says: “The corruption has gone too far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings”.
Protests to take place as Trump military parade rolls through Washington
Saturday 14 June 2025 11:21 , Holly BancroftAs millions of Americans protest against the Trump administration across the US on Saturday, a military parade will be on display in Washington DC.
President Donald Trump’s military parade will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US Army, which happens to coincide with Mr Trump’s 79th birthday.
The parade is expected to cost up to $45million and will involve seven million pounds of machinery and weaponry.
The parade will begin with a fitness competition and an official ceremony to celebrate the army’s anniversary. Some 6,700 soldiers are expected to then march down Constitution Avenue Northwest, past the White House.
Black Hawk, Chinook and Apache helicopters will also fly over the procession. Mr Trump has said that the event will let Americans “celebrate a little bit” as “we’ve had a lot of victories”.
The flagship rally in protest at Mr Trump’s administration is planned for Philadelphia, with 60,000-80,000 people expected to attend.
'We will make an example of you', warn Republican governors
Saturday 14 June 2025 11:27 , Holly BancroftFlorida governor Ron De Santis has warned anti-Trump protesters that he is ready to “make an example of” any demonstrators that start rioting.
Speaking in a news conference this week, he said: “The minute you cross into attacking law enforcement, any type of rioting, any type of vandalism, looting, just be prepared to have the law come down on you. And we will make an example of you - you can guarantee it.”
Texas governor Greg Abbott has already vowed to deploy the national guard against protesters. He posted on social media platform X that “peaceful protesting is legal. But once you cross the line, you will be arrested.” He then added: “FAFO”, thought to be an acronym for f*** around and find out.
'Democracy is going to reassert itself', protest organiser says
Saturday 14 June 2025 12:29 , Holly BancroftOne of the organisers of Saturday’s protests have said that the demonstrations will be a chance for democracy to “reassert itself”.
Speaking to MSNBC, Ezra Levin, co-founder of the anti-Trump organisation Indivisible, said: “This is an opportunity to send a very clear message that democracy is gonna reassert itself, and that’s a message, not to Donald Trump. He’s the least important figure tomorrow.
“That’s a message to the marginal figures in our democracy, whether they’re leaders or they’re institutions who are trying to decide how to behave today, and they need to know that people are gonna reassert democracy”.
Read more here:
Millions expected to attend ‘No Kings’ protests during Trump’s military parade
Trump insists he's ‘not a king at all’ as he’s pressed on abuse of power concerns
Saturday 14 June 2025 13:28 , Holly BancroftPresident Donald Trump has denied having any monarchical pretensions ahead of the military parade that coincides with his 79th birthday, The Independent’s White House correspondent Andrew Feinberg writes.
Speaking in the East Room during an impromptu press conference after signing legislation to block California’s ability to regulate vehicle emissions and push for more electric vehicle sales in an effort to protect the state’s air quality, Trump was asked about protests planned for Saturday as part of what organizers are calling “No Kings Day” to coincide with the parade, which is ostensibly meant to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
Trump replied: “I don't feel like a king” and proceeded to complain that he must “go through hell” to get anything done under America’s constitutional system, which strictly divides the federal government’s authority between executive, legislative and judicial branches.
Most US adults do not think Trump’s $45M military parade is ‘a good use of money,’ poll finds
Saturday 14 June 2025 14:31 , Holly BancroftA new poll has found that a majority of Americans don’t think the massive militaryparade that President Donald Trump has ordered up for his 79th birthday on Saturday is a good use of taxpayer dollars, even as most adults either approve of the parade itself or have no opinion of the plan.
An Associated Press and NORC survey of 1,158 adults across all 50 U.S. states asked respondents whether they believe the parade, which is ostensibly meant to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, is “a good use of government funds” or “not a good use of government funds”, writes White House correspondent Andrew Feinberg.
Most US adults say Trump’s military parade not ‘a good use of money,’ poll finds
Dozens of vets arrested outside US Capitol ahead of parade
Saturday 14 June 2025 14:45 , Andrea CavallierOn the eve of Trump’s military parade, nearly 75 veterans and their family members were arrested outside the US Capitol after reportedly breaching a police line of bike racks and approaching the steps leading to the Capitol Rotunda, according to the Capitol Police.
Organizers with the two groups – About Face: Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace – said they were planning to hold a sit-in in the U.S. Capitol in protest of the presence of military members on the nation’s streets, AP reported. That includes for Saturday’s military parade, as well as National Guard and active-duty Marines in Los Angeles.
“A few people pushed the bike rack down and illegally crossed the police line while running towards the Rotunda Steps,” the Capitol Police said. “Our officers immediately blocked the group and began making arrests.”
“All will be charged with unlawful demonstration and crossing a police line,” police added. “Additional charges for some will include assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.”
Live: Anti-Trump activists protest as military parade marks 250th anniversary of US Army
Saturday 14 June 2025 14:46 , Andrea CavallierThousands gather for ‘No Kings’ rally in Atlanta
Saturday 14 June 2025 15:06 , Andrea CavallierThousands of demonstrators have gathered in Atlanta for a “No Kings” rally.
Many are carrying American flags. One woman is holding a sign that says “when cruelty becomes normal, compassion looks radical,” CNN reports.
She said “there’s just so much going on in this country that’s not OK, and if no one speaks up about it, who will?”
Trump promises parade will go on despite threat of rain
Saturday 14 June 2025 15:32 , Andrea CavallierHundreds gather in Philadelphia for main ‘No Kings’ march and rally
Saturday 14 June 2025 16:23 , Andrea CavallierSeveral hundred people have gathered in Love Park, in Philadelphia, where the main “No Kings” event is being held.
Many people are carrying signs that read “fight oligarchy” and “deport the mini-Mussolinis” and “the wrong ice is melting.”
Some are wearing gas masks or balaclavas to cover their faces. One woman in a foam Statue of Liberty crown is carrying a sound system and is singing one of Trump’s favorite tunes, “YMCA,” changing “young man” to “con man.”
Photos: 'No Kings' protests begin across the country
Saturday 14 June 2025 16:45 , Andrea Cavallier
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'No Kings' event in Minneapolis canceled after shooting of Minnesota lawmakers
Saturday 14 June 2025 17:27 , Andrea CavallierThe “No Kings” protest in Minneapolis has been canceled following the shooting of two state lawmakers, according to the organizers’ website.
“The No Kings event in Northeast Minneapolis has been canceled due to a shelter-in-place order following a politically motivated shooting of two elected officials,” the website reads. “We are monitoring the situation closely and urge everyone in the area to follow all local safety guidance.”
Gov. Tim Walz has also asked the public to refrain from attending the planned demonstrations across the state “out of an abundance of caution” until the suspect is apprehended.
Out of an abundance of caution my Department of Public Safety is recommending that people do not attend any political rallies today in Minnesota until the suspect is apprehended.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 14, 2025
Man wearing MAGA hat launches golf balls at marchers in Philly
Saturday 14 June 2025 18:12 , Andrea CavallierA man wearing a red Make America Great Again was reportedly hitting golf balls at demonstrators as they marched through Philadelphia’s Logan Circle.
After being asked to stop, he left with his golf balls, but left his club behind, a marcher told the Associated Press.
Suspect in shooting of Minnesota lawmakers had ‘No Kings’ fliers in car
Saturday 14 June 2025 18:24 , Andrea CavallierState Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic said authorities don’t have any direct evidence that the protests would be targeted, but said the suspect in an overnight shooting of two lawmakers, had some “No Kings” fliers in their car.
Melissa Hortman, a former Minnesota House Speaker, and her husband were shot and killed early Saturday in their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, were shot multiple times in Champlin and were wounded. Officials said the shootings were politically motivated.
Authorities asked people “out of an abundance of caution” not to attend any of the “No Kings” protests that were scheduled for across the state on Saturday.
Organizers then announced that all of the protests across the state were canceled.
Given the targeted shootings of state lawmakers overnight, we are asking the public to not attend today’s planned demonstrations across Minnesota out of an abundance of caution. pic.twitter.com/7hFccnrQUT
— MN State Patrol (@MnDPS_MSP) June 14, 2025
Marjorie Taylor-Greene at Army fitness competition
Saturday 14 June 2025 18:45 , Andrea Cavallier
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Live from New York's No Kings protests: 'Our parade is bigger!'
Saturday 14 June 2025 20:18 , Josh MarcusWe are monitoring the No Kings protests taking place across the country today.
The Independent’s Oliver O’Connell has this snap from the New York City rally, a dig at the military parade taking place later today in Washington.
PHOTOS: Protesters flood streets nationwide for 'No Kings' protests
Saturday 14 June 2025 20:41 , Josh MarcusHundreds of thousands of people are expected to take part in today’s “No Kings” protests around the country against the Trump administration.
Here’s what the scene looked like at some of the largest demonstrations:
New York
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Chicago
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Texas Capitol evacuated for 'credible threat' against lawmakers
Saturday 14 June 2025 20:59 , Josh Marcus
As Minnesota officials are reeling after a state lawmaker and her husband were shot on Saturday morning, the Texas State Capitol was evacuated on Saturday afternoon after a “credible threat” against lawmakers
The threat pertained to “state lawmakers planning to attend a protest later today,” the Texas Department of Public Safety said in a statement on X, adding no further information was available.
DPS Statement on Capitol Evacuation. @TxDPSCapitol pic.twitter.com/6zkaRElQHL
— Texas DPS (@TxDPS) June 14, 2025
The state complex is temporarily closed.
As even more protests flood LA, tensions continue over Trump seizing California National Guard
Saturday 14 June 2025 21:14 , Josh Marcus
Thousands of people hit the streets in Los Angeles on Saturday to join in the nationwide “No Kings” protests taking place in some 2,000 locations around the country.
While police are monitoring the demonstrations nationwide, the law enforcement presence in Los Angeles is a particularly tense one, given the days of protests and occasional violence that have already taken place in the city over the Trump administration’s immigration raids and subsequent decision to send in Marines and federalized California National Guard to respond to the unrest.
California has sued the administration over the Guard deployment, which was done against it wishes. A federal court briefly ordered the administration to return control of the state troops to California, but an appeals court temporarily paused that order.
In the meantime, U.S. Marines have reportedly made their first detention of a civilian, a man who walked onto federal property and did not immediately hear commands to stop.
The presence of the military in Los Angeles has alarmed critics, who say the military by law should not have any role in domestic law enforcement.
Marines temporarily detain man while guarding LA federal building
'No Kings' by the numbers: 200,000+ estimated attendance nationwide
Saturday 14 June 2025 21:42 , Josh Marcus
Hundreds of thousands of people are estimated to have attended “No Kings” protests around the country.
In California alone, demonstrations in Los Angeles and San Diego are thought to have drawn over 20,000 each, while officials in New York expected over 75,000 people and police in Philadelphia said an estimated 80,000 were in attendance.
Atlanta and San Francisco also saw at least 5,000 and 4,000 protesters each at their “No Kings” events.
'This is the kind of thing North Korea does': Protester speaks out on Trump parade
Saturday 14 June 2025 22:02 , Josh Marcus
Donna Stork, 73, of Hagerstown, Maryland, is among the critics uneasy with the upcoming Army parade in Washington coinciding with Trump’s birthday.
She’s not opposed to celebrating the military or its history, but she feel Saturday’s festivities are about something else other than tradition and service.
“I am very unhappy,” she told The Independent’s Richard Hall in D.C. “This is the kind of thing that Stalin would’ve done. This is the kind of thing North Korea does. It sickens me that we’re putting on this display, just for one man’s ego.”
Police reportedly use tear gas on Georgia protesters amid sporadic nationwide issues at 'No Kings' protests
Saturday 14 June 2025 22:17 , Josh MarcusThe nationwide “No Kings” protests have not devolved into the kind of widespread civil unrest seen in Los Angeles over the last week, though there have been scattered reports of security threats and arrests.
In San Francisco, a motorist struck at least four protesters, law enforcement sources told NBC News, fleeing in a potential hit-and-run attack. The driver was reportedly detained and the incident is under investigation.
Officers reportedly appeared to tackle protesters and use tear gas on demonstrators in DeKalb County, Georgia.
Elsewhere, a man appearing to be carrying a handgun was arrested at a “No Kings” protest in Nashville, while a California man was arrested for allegedly posting an online threat about shooting up local protest in Palm Springs.
At dueling demonstrations in Ocala, Florida, three were arrested.
The day before the nationwide protests, about 60 demonstrators, many of them veterans, were arrested in Washington while protesting the upcoming Army parade in the capital.
Prior to potential hit-and-run on San Francisco protesters, city's 'No Kings' protest described as peaceful
Saturday 14 June 2025 22:38
Police have reportedly detained a driver who ran into multiple people at San Francisco’s “No Kings” protest.
Prior to the reported incident, thought to have impacted at least four marchers, the scene on the ground at the demonstration was peaceful, according to our reporter Io Dodds.
Here’s her dispatch from earlier in the day:
There are so many people marching that it seems to have crashed the mobile network. Easily several thousand, possibly far more, stretching for blocks and blocks and blocks, walking to City Hall from the replica Mexican liberty bell at Dolores Park — a symbol of the time when this city too was Mexico.
The mood is festive and euphoric, not unlike the various Pride marches that follow this route every June. Lots of people wearing crowns, or carrying signs of famous tyrants: the thumb-sucking Prince John from Disney’s animated Robin Hood, King George as depicted in Hamilton. There’s also a lot of California’s bear-emblazoned flags and “ICE OUT OF CA” messages.
“I do feel [Trump] has a strong vendetta against this state, and we need to be visible and form a presence to show we’re not gonna roll over and take it,” said Kyle M, 34, a web developer in San Francisco’s strongly Hispanic Mission district, who attended the march draped in a Californian flag with rainbow edges.
“Deploying the National Guard… targeting farms in the Central Valley… making a big stink and a show of it. I think California has very firmly rejected his message, and I think that stings him on a personal level.”
What our New York newsroom saw in city's 'No Kings' protest
Saturday 14 June 2025 22:48The Independent’s Oliver O’Connell has been following the “No Kings” action from New York City.
Here’s his description of the scene in lower Manhattan, plus some choice photos of the protest:
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New Yorkers understood the assignment and showed up by the tens of thousands despite the persistent drizzle, packing Fifth Avenue from 42nd Street to Madison Square Park, and then spilling into side streets and neighboring Broadway.
The diverse crowd ranged in age from children in strollers to seniors, and the mood was upbeat, with chanting and cheering rarely letting up.
Signs, placards and even costumes covered a multitude of frustrations, complaints and anger toward the Trump administration, including furious denouncements of ICE, the president’s parade in Washington, and the work of DOGE.
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Others focused on the trampling of checks and balances in government, the alleged rise of authoritarianism under Trump, and — the central focus of the day — that America was founded through a revolution against the rule of a king.
Police stood back along the route, many sheltering from the rain in doorways and storefronts.
Volunteers marshalled demonstrators off the Fifth Avenue at 26th Street, the official end of the march, and small groups assembled nearby to continue the protest, waving wet placards and flags and chanting: “Donald Trump must go!”
Another reported auto incident at 'No Kings' protest, this one in Virginia
Saturday 14 June 2025 22:58 , Josh MarcusA 21-year-old has reportedly been arrested for driving an SUV into a “No Kings” protester in Culpeper, Virgina, hitting at least one person, according to Fox 5 DC.
Joseph R. Checklick Jr. has been charged with reckless driving and is being held without bond, per the outlet.
“Based on the preliminary investigation, it was determined that Checklick Jr intentionally accelerated his vehicle into the dispersing crowd, striking at least one person with his vehicle,” Culpeper Police Department wrote on Facebook. “At this time, no injuries were reported to law enforcement, nor has the person that Checklick Jr struck with his vehicle been identified by law enforcement.”
Defense Department appears to post Russian colors in Flag Day post
Saturday 14 June 2025 23:08 , Josh MarcusWe know it’s Flag Day today, but it isn’t...the American flag we’re celebrating?
Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) June 14, 2025
Let us honor the emblem of our nation and the stars and stripes that unite us all. As we display our nations flag and reflect on the values it represents, let’s celebrate the freedom, courage and resilience that makes our country great. pic.twitter.com/nivJsGH5cQ
The Defense Department on Saturday appeared to post images of the Russia flag’s colors alongside the Stars and Stripes in an X post, though they’re both red, white and blue, so maybe the graphic design department just had a slip-up.
In other Russia-related news, President Trump said earlier in the day he got a call from Vladimir Putin wishing him a happy birthday.
The two spent an hour talking, mostly about the ongoing Israel-Iran war, Trump said.
“We talked at length,” the president wrote on Truth Social. “Much less time was spent talking about Russia/Ukraine, but that will be for next week. He is doing the planned prisoner swaps - large numbers of prisoners are being exchanged, immediately, from both sides. The call lasted approximately 1 hour. He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end.”
PHOTO: LA protesters carry giant US Constitution in 'No Kings' protest
Saturday 14 June 2025 23:18 , Josh Marcus
San Francisco police provide update on potential hit-and-run at protest
Saturday 14 June 2025 23:22 , Io Dodds
A man struck by a driver along the route of San Francisco’s protest march today has been taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police have confirmed.
“On June 14 at approximately 12:24 pm, San Francisco Police officers responded to the area of Duboce Ave and Guerrero Street regarding a hit and run vehicle collision,” a spokesperson told The Independent.
“Officers were advised that a vehicle collision occurred between a vehicle and pedestrian,” the department added. “Officers arrived to the area of Mission and 21st Streets where they located a vehicle matching the description provided.”
“A suspect driver was detained without further incident. We are not identifying the suspect at this time and charges are pending…This is an isolated incident. There is no known threat to the general public at this time.”
March organizers said they were aware of the incident but did not yet know whether it was deliberate or an accident.
“It’s unfortunate that it happened. We definitely put a lot of safety methods for our marches in place,” said Adam Sheehan of Indivisible SF. “We’re very happy that the person is okay and that the law is talking to the person driving.”
Sheehan also said that a person describing themself as an eyewitness had told him the car involved was a red Tesla, which slowed down at an intersection where the march was passing before seeming to become impatient and speeding up.
The Tesla struck “an elderly gentleman,” the witness told Sheehan, before speeding away. The alleged victim was then taken to hospital in an emergency vehicle.
A bystander also posted on Bluesky that he had heard on police radio about a red Tesla injuring four people, and attached a photo of people crowded near a fire truck at the intersection of Duboce Ave and Guerrero St.
PHOTOS: Army 250th anniversary parade begins in Washington
Saturday 14 June 2025 23:30 , Josh Marcus
Our full report on the nationwide 'No Kings' protest uprising
Saturday 14 June 2025 23:39 , Josh Marcus
In cities and small towns across the United States, tens of thousands of people marched to send President Donald Trump a message: They don’t tolerate “kings, tyrants or dictators.”
“No Kings” demonstrations spanned 2,000 locations across the country, marking the largest demonstrations against the Trump administration since the start of his second term. The protests were organized in defiance of Trump’s military parade for the Army’s 250th anniversary which, coincidentally, marked the president’s 79th birthday.
Some 1,000 protesters marched toward Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach with “No Kings” banners, while Los Angeles saw more than 20,000 demonstrators march on the city following a week of unrest over the Trump administration’s anti-immigration agenda.
Protests were largely peaceful with few arrests nationwide and rallies were winding down by late afternoon, but there were reported clashes with police in pockets of the country and several acts of violence apparently targeting demonstrators.
Rhian Lubin has the full story.
Anger with Trump leads thousands to march for ‘No Kings’ as cops descend on marches
Seattle protest features '1.5 miles full of people' and no damage
Saturday 14 June 2025 23:50Seattle’s “No Kings” demonstration appears to be moving through the city without incident, a far cry from 2020 George Floyd protests there that saw the National Guard deployed and activists take over a six-block stretch of the city for weeks.
The tail of the #NoKingsProtest has just left Cal Anderson. That’s over 1.5 miles full of people and not a single report of property damage. pic.twitter.com/UXDFxQPDGY
— Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD) June 14, 2025
At least 20,000 marched on San Francisco, organizers say
Sunday 15 June 2025 00:05 , Io DoddsWe now have a rough estimate how many people marched in San Francisco today: at least 20,000, perhaps even 30,000.
That is according to Andy Sheehan of Indivisible SF, one of the march’s organizers, who cautioned that his numbers were only a “guesstimate.”
“At the Hands Off rally [on April 5] we had 17,000, 18,000, and this was way bigger,” Sheehan told The Independent. “Last time, we got everyone into Civic Center before we started speaking. This time we didn’t get everyone in here until after we finished speaking.”
The San Francisco Chronicle similarly estimated that “tens of thousands” had attended the protest.
“People are motivated, they’re feeling like they don’t wanna stay on the sidelines anymore,” said Sheehan.
He added that the brief Secret Service detention of California’s US Senator Alex Padilla for interrupting DHS secretary Kristi Noem at a press conference had angered many people he knows, as well as the ICE raids in Los Angeles and Trump’s deployment of the military in response.
In Los Angeles, 'No Kings' protests join existing unrest
Sunday 15 June 2025 00:14 , Josh Marcus
Cities across the U.S. may have mobilized in protest on Saturday for “No Kings” events, but Los Angeles activists have already been in the streets for the last week, challenging the administration’s immigration policies.
On Saturday itself, those two threads intertwined.
Protesters outside a federal building complex reportedly chanted, “Shame on you!” at the Marines and National Guard deployed to the city, as federal troops pushed them back with riot shields.
The Los Angeles “No Kings” protest reportedly drew over 20,000 people.
LAPD orders dispersal of tense protest around federal building
Sunday 15 June 2025 00:28 , Josh MarcusLos Angeles police have ordered demonstrators in front of a federal office complex to disperse.
⚠️Traffic Advisory⚠️ Alameda South of Aliso and North of Temple is closed.
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) June 14, 2025
The demonstration has taken the street. A DISPERSAL ORDER has been issued for all persons located on Alameda south of Aliso and North of Temple to immediately leave the area.
The site has been a focus of protests for days, and on Saturday, as “No Kings” events took place across the country, activists confronted federal troops outside the complex, shouting, “Shame on you!” as they were pushed back with riot shields.
Police reportedly use riot control weapons to disperse LA protesters
Sunday 15 June 2025 00:34 , Josh MarcusLos Angeles police reportedly are using horses, batons, smoke, and tear gas to clear out protesters downtown, after a dispersal order was issued following clashes with federal troops and activists outside a federal building.
“LAPD is now launching tear gas into the crowd outside federal building,” wrote People City’s Council, a widely followed X account tracking the protests.
Online news outlet Los Angeles Patch, meanwhile, shared a video of demonstrators fleeing riot police on horseback, which included an officer with what appears to be a rubber bullet-launcher in hand.
Trump official blasts 'No Kings' protests as 'utter failure'
Sunday 15 June 2025 00:35 , Josh MarcusPredictably, the Trump administration doesn’t think all that highly of the “No Kings” protests across the country, which have brought hundreds of thousands of people into the streets to protest Trump and what critics see as the president’s authoritarian leanings.
The so-called No Kings protests have been a complete and utter failure with minuscule attendance. It is sad Democrats and liberals would rather support criminals and illegals instead of celebrating the 250th anniversary of our great U.S. Army and Flag Day. But many more Americans…
— Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) June 14, 2025
“The so-called No Kings protests have been a complete and utter failure with minuscule attendance,” White House director of communications Steven Cheung wrote on X. “It is sad Democrats and liberals would rather support criminals and illegals instead of celebrating the 250th anniversary of our great U.S. Army and Flag Day.”
“But many more Americans are commemorating our brave military men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice and who those continue to serve our country,” he added.
PHOTOS: Demonstrators flee as Los Angeles police gas crowd
Sunday 15 June 2025 00:46 , Josh MarcusPolice appeared to deploy riot-control weapons, including rubber bullets and tear gas, against a large crowd of protesters in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon, after a dispersal order was given for a crowd outside a federal building complex.
Photos and videos of the scene captured scores of demonstrators fleeing a massive crowd of assembled officers, including police on horseback.
Police, protesters, media offer varying accounts of chaotic LA protest
01:09
We’re still sorting through the details of what is happening on the ground in Los Angeles, where a massive contingent of police has used riot weapons to clear out a large crowd of protesters near a federal building.
Police accused the crowd of failing to comply with a dispersal order around the federal complex, and later said in a statement, “People in the crowd are throwing rocks, bricks, bottles and other objects.”
Media members on the ground, and protesters themselves, said the demonstration around the area had been peaceful, and that there was no clear reason for the escalation in force.
Update: One arrested in Texas after threat to lawmakers prompts Capitol evacuation
01:19 , Josh MarcusOne person has been arrested in Texas for allegedly making a threat to Democratic lawmakers planning on attending a rally at the state Capitol building, a threat that caused police to evacuate the state complex earlier today, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
DPS told The Associated Press the individual was arrested after a traffic stop in La Grange, about 65 miles from Austin.
Protesters say police clear-out in Los Angeles caught them by surprise
01:32 , Josh MarcusProtesters in downtown Los Angeles say they were caught off guard when police ordered their dispersal from near a federal building and began using horses, flash bangs, rubber bullets, and tear gas to clear out a large crowd of activists.
Violet Martinez, 23, told The Los Angeles Times the response was unnecessary, and that he watched as police trampled demonstrators with their horses and hit people with rubber bullets.
“They put on their gas masks then began firing tear gas,” Martinez said. “There was no reason to do that.”
Protesters fire 'commercial grade' fireworks at police: LAPD
01:34 , Josh MarcusCommercial grade fireworks are being thrown at officers Temple and Main St.
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) June 15, 2025
Police set up perimeters in downtown LA as protesters clear out
02:15 , Alex WoodwardProtesters are beginning to leave an area in downtown Los Angeles after police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper balls to disperse a crowd gathering outside a federal building that was at the center of demonstrations against ICE and Trump’s anti-immigration agenda.
A mandatory curfew at 8 p.m. PST is two hours away, but the order is moot following the police order to disperse.
Following that order this afternoon, local and county officers began firing into the crowd and marching against demonstrators, with police on horseback swinging batons and officers pushing up against crowds with riot shields.
Some protesters kicked gas canisters back to police lines or pushed up against officers, but nothing compared to clashes last weekend. It does not appear any National Guard or Marines have faced off with demonstrators.
Police seen clearing remaining protesters after LA curfew took effect
04:17 , Josh Marcus
Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies were seen Saturday night using gas and firing crowd control rounds at a group of protesters who remain in downtown in spite of an 8pm curfew that is now in effect, as well as orders declaring the protests that took place there an unlawful assembly.
ICYMI: What went down at today's 'No Kings' protest
03:05 , Josh MarcusToday’s “No Kings” demonstrations are the largest mass gatherings against President Trump since the 2017 Women’s March, which took place shortly after the Republican’s first inauguration.
Rhian Lubin has this look at what happened across the country-spanning protests this time around.
Anger with Trump leads thousands to march for ‘No Kings’ as cops descend on marches
Drag queen performs to Rage Against the Machine in Texas
03:06 , Alex WoodwardDrag queen and activist Bridgette Bandit performed a set to “Killing in the Name Of” by Rage Against the Machine during the “No Kings” protest at the Texas State Capitol in Austin.
An engagement on the frontlines of LA protests
03:12 , Alex WoodwardJournalist Sergio Olmos with CalMatters captured a couple’s proposal steps away from a line of officers in riot gear in downtown Los Angeles.
County deputies and LAPD officers have fired tear gas and pepper balls into crowds gathered near a federal building that has been the site of protests against Trump’s immigration agenda.
(She said yes.)
Where arrests have taken place during 'No Kings' protests
03:29 , Josh MarcusWith demonstrations across the country winding down, it appears mass arrests were not a common feature of the “No Kings” protests, though some were taken into custody in smaller-scale incidents.
In Salt Lake City, a person of interest was arrested in a shooting near a march thought to have injured one person.
Bystanders heard police yell, “Gunman!” and “Man with rifle” during the Saturday evening incident.
In Nashville, counter-protester Elijah Millar, was reportedly charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly spitting at people and brandishing a firearm.
In Texas, a state trooper arrested a person accused of threatening Democratic lawmakers planning to attend a protest at the state capitol building, a threat which prompted an evacuation of the grounds.
Meanwhile, police arrested a California man, Edward Miranda, for allegedly posting an online threat to commit a shooting at a Palm Springs rally.
Two drivers were detained, in San Francisco and Culpeper, Virginia, respectively, for allegedly driving their vehicles into demonstrators.
Another person was arrested for disorderly conduct in Cleveland, while a woman in Portland, Maine, was arrested for allegedly throwing a water bottle at a police officer, and another demonstrator there was brought in for allegedly blowing an air horn too close to a police officer’s ear.
At a demonstration in Ocala, Florida, a man allegedly wearing a Proud Boys uniform was reportedly arrested for battery and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
In Madison, Wisconsin, meanwhile, three were arrested for vandalism.
More arrests may be coming in Los Angeles, where police clashed with a large crowd after issuing a dispersal order near a federal office downtown.
Police accused the demonstrators of attacking officers and holding an unlawful assembly, while reporters and protesters have said the gathering remained peaceful before police began using riot control weapons.
Curfew takes effect in Los Angeles
04:00 , Josh MarcusA curfew is once again in place for large parts of Los Angeles, as unrest from anti-immigration raid protests in the city has dovetailed with Saturday’s “No Kings” protests.
Police have spent much of the last few hours trying to remove a shrinking contingent of demonstrators from the area near a federal building downtown, where a dispersal order was issued and officers used riot weapons on a large crowd of activists.
1st and Broadway ~ Officers are requesting all demonstrators leave the Civic Center Area.
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) June 15, 2025
Civic Center Area covers 3rd St to the South. Cesar Chavez to the North. Grand to the West and Alameda to the East.
Curfew is in effect from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am. pic.twitter.com/PpLjDtY33F
Austin police struggle to clear protesters from downtown roadways
04:37 , Josh Marcus
Austin, Texas, police are trying to clear protesters from the middle of the street in the downtown area.
“If you are participating in the gathering, please stay on the sidewalks and out of the roadways,” the Austin Police Department wrote on X. “For your own safety, please stay cautious and be aware of your surroundings.”
They’ve been asking the public to leave the roads for over an hour now.
Over 5 million appear at 'No Kings' protests: organizers
06:30With demonstrations coming to an end around the country, organizers of the “No Kings” protests are estimating that more than 5 million people in 2,100 towns and cities across the country took part in the events.
“Thank you for making it clear that we won't be ruled by fear,” Indivisible, one of the co-organizers of the protests, wrote in a statement on Bluesky.
As 'No Kings' protests raged, Trump discloses his princely earnings on merch
07:30 , Josh MarcusPresident Donald Trump made over $10 million in the last year selling watches, sneakers, bibles and guitars, but his stake in a cryptocurrency platform was the most profitable of all.
Trump’s financial disclosure report, released Friday by the Office of Government Ethics, lays bare the vast wealth of the president and his family.
The president has made $57,355,532 from his stake in World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency platform. His $TRUMP meme coin was not part of the disclosure report because it only launched in January, but is estimated to have earned $320 million in fees.
The president has also made millions in license fees, the 234-long disclosure report shows. By comparison, former President Joe Biden’s 2024 filing was 11 pages.
Rhian Lubin reports.
A day of protest and peril in Minnesota
08:30 , Josh MarcusIt’s been a whirlwind 24 hours for the state of Minnesota.
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‘Political’ shooting kills MN lawmaker; another hurt, suspect named
As thousands were preparing to head out to “No Kings” marches, residents learned a gunman shot two state lawmakers and their spouses.
A manhunt is ongoing for suspect Vance Boelter, 57, who reportedly left a manifesto that names prominent pro-choice individuals in Minnesota, including several Democratic lawmakers who are outspokenly pro-choice.
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Despite calls from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for residents to avoid the Saturday protests, tens of thousands of people were on hand at the Minnesota Capitol for the demonstration anyway.
Fox News commentators claim protests and parade separate who supports the 'real America'
09:30 , Josh MarcusWhat the “No Kings” protests will mean in the grander scheme of history isn’t immediately known, but for the folks at Fox News, the nationwide demonstrations revealed a picture of two Americas.
“I think you’re seeing really a split screen of America,” Fox News contributor Miranda Devine said during a Saturday broadcast. “On the one side you have destruction, small mindedness, mean spiritedness — just negativity, and on the other side, you have the real America, patriotism, positivity, growing onward and upward, better and better.”
Commentator Tomi Lahren had a similar take on the day’s events.
“I am just so taken aback by the contrast in scenes in America today. On the one hand, the military parade shows socially normal, seemingly clean and well-mannered American patriots celebrating their country,” she wrote on X. “And on the other side, you have green haired, soy fed, bitter, disgruntled, vampire looking leftists, who take joy in bashing a Trump piñata with their children. Pick your America.”
LAPD chief describes what prompted police to move on crowd
10:30 , Josh MarcusLos Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell says police began using riot weapons and marching on protesters late Saturday afternoon after activists began attacking officers.
“The day started out very peaceful,” McDonnell told a local NBC affiliate. “We had a lot of people out here, about 30,000. It went very well, up until the point where officers started being attacked.”
McDonnell said those attacks triggered a dispersal order, and those who refused to leave were subject to arrest.
Officers later began being hit with “rocks, bottles, and missiles,” the chief added, saying seven were left with low-level injuries.
Some bystanders to the police rush described being unaware of what triggered officers to begin using stepped-up tactics against the downtown crowd.
ICYMI: Millions chant 'No Kings,' as Trump watches birthday military parade
11:30 , Josh MarcusAnger with Trump leads thousands to march for ‘No Kings’ as cops descend on marches
A shooting in Salt Lake City during a 'No Kings' demonstration has left one person critically injured
12:30 , Alex Woodward
The victim remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to a statement from the Salt Lake City Police Department.
A person of interest is in custody.Roughly 10,000 people were marching between Pioneer Park and a federal building on Saturday when shots were fired near 200 South State Street.
Photographs from the scene appear to show a victim lying in the street with several people administering aid.
Another person was pictured in handcuffs surrounded by police.
The protest was among the largest in Utah as hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in cities and small towns across the country.
Pictures: 100,000 march in Philadelphia for central 'No Kings' protest
14:00 , Josh MarcusAn estimated 100,000 people joined in the “No Kings” protest in Philadelphia, the central location of the nationwide protest campaign.
Salt Lake City ‘No Kings’ shooting update: Three suspects arrested while victim remains in ‘life threatening’ condition
16:06 , Enrique LimónMoments before 8 pm, as Salt Lake City’s ‘No Kings’ protest dwindled, a shooter opened fire leaving at least one attendee in “life threatening condition” according to the Salt Lake City police department.
Authorities acted swiftly and apprehended the alleged gunman, as well as two others they believe were involved in the shooting.
“The violence we’ve seen today in Salt Lake City and elsewhere in the country is horrific—it’s just not who we are,” the city’s mayor, Erin Mendenhall, shared on X. “We deserve to feel safe, especially when exercising our First Amendment rights.”
Mendenhall joined SLCPD chief Brian Redd in an impromptu press conference in the streets of downtown Salt Lake City following the shooting.
In a video of the briefing posted by The Salt Lake Tribune, Redd confirmed one protest-goer “was found critically injured,” and that the suspected gunman had also been shot and was transported to hospital, where he remained under police watch.
Redd also said two others believed to be involved in the violent disruption were taken into custody, and that “no known outstanding individuals” were believed to be at large.
Redd noted that Salt Lake City’s ‘No Kings’ march and ensuing rally were a “permitted demonstration” that had been characterized as “very peaceful” leading up to the incident.
“Let me be clear: this act of violence does not define our city,” Mendenhall added. “The purpose of today’s demonstration was powerful and a peaceful expression until this event—and that cannot be overshadowed or silenced by a single act meant to harm.”
Echoing Mendenhal’s sentiment, Utah Governor Spencer Cox took to X, and referred to the shooting as “a deeply troubling act of violence” that “has no place in our public square.” Calling it “an active situation,” he said his office is working closely alongside law enforcement “to ensure accountability.”
Moments after the shooting, chaos erupted as protesters heard conflicting details.
Scrambling to find emergency shelter, several hid behind buildings, while some raced to a nearby Episcopal church, and others, this reporter included, entered a nearby apartment building.
In a news release, the Salt Lake City Police Department said the motive for the shooting, as well as the events leading up to it are unknown and remain under investigation.
Rand Paul rips Trump's military parade, compares it to Soviet and North Korean parades
16:31 , Isabel KeaneKentucky Sen. Rand Paul slammed President Donald Trump’s parade commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, comparing the procession to Soviet or North Korean parades.
“I've never liked the idea of the parade. I grew up in the '70s and '80s, and the only parades I can remember are Soviet parades for the most part or North Korean parades,” the Republican senator said on ABC’s Meet The Press on Sunday.
The Kentucky Republican recalled times in American history when similar celebrations were called for.
Rand Paul: "I've never liked the idea of the parade. I grew up in the '70s and '80s, and the only parades I can remember are Soviet parades for the most part or North Korean parades. The parades I remember from our history were different...we never glorified weapons so… pic.twitter.com/KwhuMlzvuG
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 15, 2025
“Everybody remembers that famous scene of the soldier, you know, dipping the girl and kissing the girl in New York in a ticker tape parade. But we were rejoicing the end of war, and we were rejoicing our soldiers coming home. And that absolutely ought to be commemorated and discussed every year, Memorial Day, Veterans Day.”
He continued: “But we’ve never glorified weapons so much.”
'No comparison' to 1992 riots when National Guard was sent to Los Angeles by president
17:00 , Isabel KeaneLos Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said there “is no comparison” between the ongoing anti-ICE protests and the 1992 riots that prompted then-President George H.W. Bush to send the National Guard into the city.
While on CNN’s State of the Union, Bass was asked to compare what is happening in Los Angeles to the 1992 riots that came after the acquittal of white police officers who were videotaped beating Black motorist Rodney King.
"There is no comparison. And unfortunately, that is what is being pushed, as though the city is in chaos, there's civil unrest everywhere. For most Angelenos, they're like, 'What city are they describing?' They are definitely not describing Los Angeles."
Karen Bass: "There is no comparison [with the 1992 riots]. And unfortunately that is what is being pushed, as though the city is in chaos, there's civil unrest everywhere. For most Angelenos, they're like, 'What city are they describing?' They are definitely not describing Los… pic.twitter.com/Jxnt1pM3BA
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 15, 2025
Bass also noted the present-day protests span “one or two” square miles, whereas the 1992 riots spanned the entire 500-square-mile city.
'No Kings' organizers say millions marched in hundreds events across the country
17:30 , Isabel KeaneMillions of people attended “No Kings” demonstrations across the country, organizers said.
More than 5 million people participated in the demonstrations in over 2,100 cities and towns.
There were also at least 300 “Kick Out the Clowns” rallies being held simultaneously, according to Axios.
Philadelphia had over 100,000 participants come out while Chicago saw 75,000. Officials in Seattle estimated that more than 70,000 people attended the city’s largest rally downtown, the Seattle Times reported.
Smaller towns such as Pentland, Michigan, reported 400 in a town of 800, organizers said.
LA mayor wants to 'dispel notion' military taking over city to quell unrest
17:45 , Josh Marcus
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass pushed back against the framing from Donald Trump and his allies that the Marines and National Guard troops sent to the city were the only thing standing between it and total chaos.
Bass, speaking with CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday morning, described troops carrying out a limited protective mission guarding federal buildings, while much of the city peacefully joined in the “No Kings” protests the day before.
“I went all over the city in search of these Marines, and I'm sorry, but I just didn't see them,” Bass said, instead noting that about 30,000 people protested in 15 different locations across Los Angeles, largely without incident.
Even at a downtown federal building, where police ordered a crowd to disperse and used riot control weapons on a large crowd, about 5 were arrested and 30 were given citations, Bass said.
“It’s not shocking that at the end of a protest that you’re going to have some confrontation,” the mayor continued. “Of course I wish there was none at all, but I don’t think that characterized the day at all.”
'That's not why you sign up': Marines don't want to be in LA, Seth Moulton says
18:00 , Josh MarcusThe roughly 700 Marines who have been called to Los Angeles in response to unrest there do not want to be patrolling American streets, according to Rep. Seth Moulton, himself a Marine Corps veteran.
“Speaking as a veteran, the Marines don’t want to be there either,” Moulton (D-Mass.), told MSNBC on Sunday. “No one signs up to join the United States Marine Corps to attack protesters, to go against Americans on the streets of an American city.”
“Just like no one signs up for the United States Army to march in a parade by the way,” Moulton added, a reference to the Army’s controversial 250th anniversary parade in Washington on Saturday that coincided with President Trump’s birthday. “That’s not why you sign up to serve the country.”
Morale among National Guard and Marines deployed in LA is underwater, report claims
Roughly 4,000 federalized National Guard troops and 700 Marines have been called to Los Angeles in response to the protest, over the objection of state officials, and morale is reportedly low among the service members, given the highly unusual and controversial mission of using military assets in response to domestic protests.
“When I joined the Marine Corps, I swore an oath — not to a person, not to a party, but to the Constitution,” Marine veteran Janessa Goldbeck, CEO of the Vet Voice Foundation, a national nonpartisan advocacy group, recently told The Independent.
“What we’re seeing now is a deliberate effort to turn the military into a political prop,” she added.
Veterans slam Trump’s ‘political’ deployment of troops to Los Angeles
Recapping a nationwide day of 'No Kings' protests
18:19 , Josh MarcusMillions attended “No Kings” protests across some 2,000 locations around the U.S. on Saturday.
Rhian Lubin has this look back at all the action.
Anger with Trump leads thousands to march for ‘No Kings’ as cops descend on marches
