“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.”
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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 Bancroft
Protests 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 Bancroft
As 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
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Holly Bancroft
Florida 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
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Holly Bancroft
One 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:
Trump insists he's ‘not a king at all’ as he’s pressed on abuse of power concerns
Saturday 14 June 2025 13:28
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Holly Bancroft
President 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
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Holly Bancroft
A 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.
Dozens of vets arrested outside US Capitol ahead of parade
Saturday 14 June 2025 14:45
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Andrea Cavallier
On 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
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Andrea Cavallier
Thousands gather for ‘No Kings’ rally in Atlanta
Saturday 14 June 2025 15:06
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Andrea Cavallier
Thousands 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
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Andrea Cavallier
Hundreds gather in Philadelphia for main ‘No Kings’ march and rally
Saturday 14 June 2025 16:23
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Andrea Cavallier
Several 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
'No Kings' event in Minneapolis canceled after shooting of Minnesota lawmakers
Saturday 14 June 2025 17:27
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Andrea Cavallier
The “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
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Andrea Cavallier
A 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
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Andrea Cavallier
State 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
Live from New York's No Kings protests: 'Our parade is bigger!'
Saturday 14 June 2025 20:18
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Josh Marcus
We 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
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Josh Marcus
Hundreds 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
Texas Capitol evacuated for 'credible threat' against lawmakers
Saturday 14 June 2025 20:59
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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
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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.
'No Kings' by the numbers: 200,000+ estimated attendance nationwide
Saturday 14 June 2025 21:42
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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
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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
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Josh Marcus
The 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 22:48
The 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:
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.
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
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Josh Marcus
A 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
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Josh Marcus
We 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
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Josh Marcus
San Francisco police provide update on potential hit-and-run at protest
Saturday 14 June 2025 23:22
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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
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Josh Marcus
Our full report on the nationwide 'No Kings' protest uprising
Saturday 14 June 2025 23:39
,
Josh Marcus
