Massive 'No Kings' protests erupt across US on Trump's birthday, Army Anniversary Parade Day
Philadelphia: Tens of thousands of people participated in coordinated protests across the United States on Saturday under the slogan “No Kings,” expressing strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s leadership as he prepared to headline a grand military parade in Washington to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Army — which also coincided with his 79th birthday.
While no major demonstrations were held in the capital, the protests spread to nearly 2,000 locations across the country, ranging from large metropolitan areas to small towns. The central rally was held at Love Park in Philadelphia, where a steady drizzle failed to dampen the crowd’s spirit. Protesters sang modified versions of popular songs, including “Y.M.C.A.,” and held up placards with slogans like “Fight oligarchy,” “Deport the mini-Mussolinis,” and “The wrong ice is melting” — a reference to immigration enforcement.
Karen Van Trieste, a 61-year-old nurse from Maryland who returned to her hometown for the event, said, “It’s about defending democracy. There’s just too much going wrong under this administration.”
In Atlanta, a protest outside the Georgia State Capitol reached its 5,000-person capacity early, with hundreds more spilling into nearby streets. A drum circle formed in front of Los Angeles City Hall, while in Charlotte, North Carolina, crowds chanted, “We have no kings,” echoing the movement’s core message.
The nationwide campaign, organised by the 50501 Movement — representing 50 states, 50 protests, and one movement — aims to oppose what organisers describe as Trump’s “authoritarian actions.” The protests follow growing public anger over recent federal immigration raids and Trump’s controversial deployment of National Guard troops and Marines in Los Angeles.
Several Republican-led states took precautionary steps. Governors in Virginia, Texas, Nebraska, and Missouri activated their National Guard units. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin warned, “If you violate the law, you’re going to be arrested.” In Florida, where a march was planned near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a similar caution to protesters. Missouri’s Governor Mike Kehoe stated that his administration would not “wait for chaos to ensue.”
California law enforcement placed officers on tactical alert and cancelled all scheduled leaves, while West Virginia authorities also put the National Guard on standby.
Meanwhile, Democratic leaders urged demonstrators to exercise restraint. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated that preparations were in place to handle a crowd that could swell to 100,000 in Philadelphia. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Washington Governor Bob Ferguson called for peaceful demonstrations, with Ferguson warning protesters not to give the federal government a reason to respond with force.
In Florida’s capital, Tallahassee, nearly 1,000 demonstrators marched through the streets chanting “Dissent is patriotic” and holding signs that read “One nation under distress.” Protest organisers issued clear instructions to participants to remain non-violent and avoid confrontation with counterprotesters or any disruption of public movement.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner assured that the rule of law would be upheld. “Any illegal activity — including by immigration officers acting beyond their limits — will be prosecuted,” he said. Citing Martin Luther King Jr., he added, “If you are doing what Martin Luther King would have done, you’re going to be fine.”
Despite the heavy police presence and heightened political tension, most demonstrations remained peaceful, with organisers hoping the message of democratic resistance would echo well beyond the day’s events.
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Vehicle catches fire during AAI building inauguration near Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): A car parked at an AAI building inauguration venue caught fire on Saturday, triggering brief panic, officials said.
The vehicle was completely gutted in the flames. However, no loss of life or injuries were reported, they said.
The incident occurred during the inauguration programme of the AAI's new building located on the Devanahalli--Sulibele Road near here. The programme was attended by the Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
A fire brigade deployed at the venue immediately reached the spot and doused the flames. Officials said the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and an investigation is underway.
