Millions of Americans took to the streets on Saturday in what organisers described as the 'No Kings' protests, a nationwide demonstration against President Donald Trump's authoritarian agenda. The protests, held in over 2,000 communities, were largely peaceful, though isolated incidents of violence were reported.
In Salt Lake City, a gunman opened fire, leaving one person in a life-threatening condition. Authorities swiftly apprehended the alleged gunman and two others believed to be involved. Drivers struck protesters in San Francisco and Virginia, while a threat against lawmakers in Texas prompted the evacuation of the state capitol building.
The protests coincided with a military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the Army's 250th anniversary and President Trump's 79th birthday. The parade, costing up to $45 million, involved 7 million pounds of machinery and weaponry, with 6,700 soldiers marching past the White House.
Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, one of the groups behind the protests, said: 'This is an opportunity to send a very clear message that democracy is gonna reassert itself.' A White House official dismissed the protests as 'a complete and utter failure with minuscule attendance.'
Governors in several states warned of tough responses to any unrest. Florida's Ron DeSantis said he was ready to 'make an example of' rioters, while Texas's Greg Abbott vowed to deploy the National Guard, adding 'FAFO' on social media.
