From San Fran to Mar-a-Lago: Anger with Trump leads thousands to march for ‘No Kings’ as cops descend on marches
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.
Tensions escalated in downtown LA late afternoon as police sought to disperse demonstrators by using flash bangs and canisters of tear gas. Protesters responded with loud fireworks and calls to “hold the line.”
In San Francisco, a driver struck four protesters in what police are investigating as “a possible act of intent.” Another driver in Culpeper, Virginia “intentionally” drove into a crowd of protesters, according to police.
Law enforcement officials in Texas evacuated the state capitol in Austin after “credible threat” to lawmakers who planned to attend today’s protests.
The protests followed early morning news of what officials are calling a “politically motivated assassination” in Minnesota, where police have launched a manhunt for Vance Boelter, who is suspected of gunning down state Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.
More than 1,000 people marched towards Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach but were blocked off by police with riot shields.
Protesters were stopped roughly 300 yards from Trump’s Florida home and met by dozens of state and local police who formed a line to block the group from getting too close to the property.
A “handful” of Trump supporters were also there but the march was reportedly peaceful. Protesters turned back to West Palm Beach after being stopped by police.
In Ocala, three people were arrested after a dispute broke out between a protester and a counter-protester.
In DeKalb County, Georgia, at least eight people were arrested as officers fired tear gas on demonstrators at a nearby protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Police in riot gear were seen using tear gas on anti-ICE protesters who ran away and climbed over shrubs to escape. DeKalb County Police reportedly gave the crowd 15 minutes to disperse. Protest organizers urged people back onto the sidewalk.
