Tens of thousands of demonstrators across the United States took to the streets for “No Kings Day,” a nationwide day of protest held in response to President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C. Billed as a “national day of peaceful protest,” the coordinated rallies were among the largest displays of opposition since Trump returned to office in January.
A Nationwide Call for Accountability
With over 2,000 protests and rallies planned across all 50 states, the demonstrations were centered around the theme that “no one is above the law.” Participants voiced their discontent with what they view as authoritarian overreach by the Trump administration, particularly its immigration policies and perceived abuse of executive power.
Demonstrators marched through major cities, including Philadelphia, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago. In Philadelphia, tens of thousands gathered at symbolic landmarks like Independence Hall, while in Florida, protesters advanced as close as possible to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate before being met by his supporters.
Some events featured a festive spirit with chants, music, and large props—like inflatable constitutions and historical costumes. Others, however, were more somber or tense, particularly in areas where counterprotesters were present.
Pockets of Violence and Escalation
While most gatherings remained peaceful, several incidents of violence and police intervention occurred. In Northern Virginia, about 70 miles from the capital, a man allegedly drove an SUV through a crowd of protesters, injuring at least one person. Authorities are investigating the attack as intentional.
In Los Angeles, peaceful demonstrations turned chaotic in the late afternoon. According to the LAPD, the crowd near Alameda Street and Temple Avenue began throwing rocks, bricks, bottles, and fireworks at officers. Police responded with “less-lethal” munitions, including tear gas and flash-bang grenades, to disperse the crowd near the federal building—a focal point for local protests.
Mounted police were seen swinging batons to push protesters away, and a citywide curfew was imposed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Though a portion of the march continued west into the Rampart area peacefully, officials reported that a group of “agitators” remained downtown, prompting continued police action.
Far-Right Presence and Cancellations
In Atlanta, members of the far-right Proud Boys were spotted attending the protests in their distinctive black and yellow attire, prompting security concerns. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, all planned demonstrations were cancelled following a politically motivated shooting spree that left a state legislator and her husband dead, and another couple wounded. The suspected gunman had a “No Kings” manifesto and hit list in his vehicle, according to authorities.
Organizers in Minnesota cited safety concerns and adhered to guidance from Governor Tim Walz and the State Patrol to call off rallies.
Voices from the Frontlines
Many demonstrators cited deeply personal motivations for participating. In Los Angeles, Beatriz Pérez, 27, told USA TODAY, “I have a lot of family members that are immigrants and basic human rights are being taken away on a daily basis.” She expressed hope that the country’s leadership would undergo a “change of heart.”
A Divided Moment
The “No Kings” movement reflects a growing national divide over presidential authority, immigration, and the role of federal power in American life. The day’s events showcased the country’s political polarization, with images of mass demonstrations, tear gas deployments, and dueling chants encapsulating the turbulent atmosphere.
As Trump celebrated his birthday with tanks and flyovers in the capital, Americans across the nation marked the same day with protests rooted in a founding principle: resistance to tyranny.
