More than 2,000 “No Kings” rallies were held across the country on Saturday –– drawing large crowds to the streets to protest what organizers call “authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy.”
The nationwide rallies, many pre-planned and authorized, were described by law enforcement as largely peaceful, apart from a few incidents.
These demonstrations come after a week of protests against ICE raids in communities with large immigrant populations. They also coincided with Trump’s military parade in Washington, DC.
Here’s what happened:
Salt Lake City: Three people were taken into custody after gunshots erupted at a rally downtown. One person is in hospital with life-threatening injuries. One of the people arrested also suffered serious injuries from a gunshot wound and was seen handcuffed while being taken into an ambulance. Police said that the rally, which drew around 10,000 people, was otherwise peaceful.
Minneapolis: A “No Kings” event scheduled to take place in Northeast Minneapolis was canceled following attacks on two Minnesota state lawmakers. Flyers reading “No Kings” were found inside the shooting suspect’s car.
Los Angeles: Protesters in LA carried an enormous copy of the Constitution through the streets. Some protesters downtown threw objects at police officers as they attempted to clear the crowd using chemical irritants. Most protesters cleared the downtown area during a nighttime curfew.
Culpeper, Virginia: A man drove his vehicle into a crowd at a rally, hitting one person. No injuries were reported.
Las Vegas: Fifteen protesters were arrested in connection with two demonstrations, with one person charged with a felony for assault with a deadly weapon and another with a gross misdemeanor for possession of a dangerous weapon. The rallies were otherwise peaceful.
Seattle: After a day of peaceful demonstrations from Cal Anderson Park to Seattle Center, a small group of people started a bonfire and lit fireworks outside a federal building downtown.
Portland: Police declared a riot as protesters gathered near a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement building.
Austin: Tear gas was used and arrests were made near the State Capitol after a day of demonstrations that remained largely peaceful. Earlier in the day, a “credible threat” was made towards Texas state legislators planning to attend the demonstration.
New York City: About 50,000 people are estimated to have taken part in demonstrations across the city.
Philadelphia: Martin Luther King III, the eldest son of the famed civil rights leader said themarch “really is about lifting up community.” The protest was peaceful.
Chicago: A group of thousands gathered at Daley Plaza before marching past Trump Tower, where demonstrators could be heard booing and chanting, “Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go.”
Dekalb County, Georgia: Police used tear gas and arrested at least eight people at a protest against ICE deportations.
