Tens of thousands of Americans took to the streets Saturday to protest President Donald Trump at rallies and marches in cities from New York to Los Angeles. The day was also marred by the murder of a Democratic lawmaker in Minnesota and conflict in the Middle East.
The protests were the largest expression of dissent against Trump's presidency since he returned to power in January and coincided with a day when thousands of troops, vehicles and planes will march and fly over Washington, D.C., in a parade to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. military.
Trump celebrates his 79th birthday on Saturday.
The National Guard and U.S. Marines are also in Los Angeles, where Trump sent troops to help secure the largely Democratic city amid protests over his immigration policies. California Governor Gavin Newsom is challenging the decision in court.
Anti-Trump protesters have planned about 2,000 demonstrations across the country to coincide with the parade, many under the slogan “No Kings,” arguing that no man is above the law.
All planned “No Kings” protests in Minnesota were canceled after Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz reported the “politically motivated murder” of one Democrat and the wounding of a second.
Minnesota authorities say leaflets promoting protests were found in the suspected shooter's car, and a massive manhunt is underway.
Trump condemned the shooting, saying in a social media post: “This kind of horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety said in a statement that there was a credible threat to state lawmakers planning to participate in Saturday's protest and evacuated the state Capitol building and grounds.
During the parade in Washington, people faced a massive security presence: about 18.5 miles (30 km) of 8-foot-tall (2.4 m) black fencing, much of it reinforced with concrete blocks, surrounding streets and landmarks including the Washington Monument.
US officials told Reuters the celebrations would cost the US Army between $25 million (€21 million) and $45 million. That includes the parade itself, as well as the cost of moving, housing and feeding troops.
Critics have called the parade a show of authoritarian power that is an unnecessary waste, especially in light of Trump's stated desire to cut spending across the federal government.
In downtown Los Angeles, several thousand protesters began marching shoulder to shoulder and stretching across nearly a dozen city blocks.
The protest was peaceful at midday. American flags, many of them upside down, far outnumbered Mexican flags at the rally.
Erica Rice, 46, said her decision to attend the first protest was prompted by Trump's decision to deploy the military to help ICE conduct immigration raids and protect federal buildings in her city.
“The use of the military in this context is a disgusting demonstration of an attempt to exert control over the American people and immigrants,” Rice said.
Despite the rain, thousands of people of all ages gathered in and around Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, many holding homemade signs with the theme “No Kings.” “No Crown for the Clown,” one read. Among the demonstrators was actor Mark Ruffalo, who wore a hat emblazoned with the word “immigrant.”
“We’re seeing dehumanizing language toward LGBT people, toward people with autism, toward people with disabilities, toward racial minorities, toward undocumented people,” said Cooper Smith, 20, of upstate New York. “Someone needs to show that the majority of Americans are against this.”
Thousands gathered in Chicago's Dealey Plaza and surrounding streets on Saturday beneath the iconic Picasso statue, some chanting “Lock him up!” at the president.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
