Protesters in DeKalb County, Georgia, fled in panic – some even scrambling over shrubs – after police deployed tear gas and detained multiple individuals. The chaos erupted during demonstrations linked to the broader “No Kings” protests. Video from the scene showed confusion and shouting as activists scattered. It was not immediately clear what triggered the police to use tear gas.
Meanwhile in Washington, a military parade to mark both the 250th anniversary of the US army and US President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday is about to get underway. The massive event is expected to include about 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters and 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks, as well as possibly 200,000 attendees and heightened security to match.
Organised under the “No Kings” movement, protests took place in nearly 2,000 locations nationwide, according to organisers. Crowds surged in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver and Houston, many holding upside-down American flags and banners reading “no kings.”
Governors in several states, including Texas and Minnesota, had mobilised National Guard units and warned of zero tolerance for violence.
Marchers moved through the capital’s streets behind a banner reading, “Trump must go now,” clashing verbally with spectators while in Charlotte, North Carolina, protesters chanting “let us walk” faced off briefly with police forming a barricade using bicycles.
Meanwhile, in northern Atlanta, officers used tear gas to break up a group of demonstrators attempting to approach Interstate 285. Police helicopters circled overhead and a journalist was reportedly detained.
Organisers in Minnesota cancelled demonstrations after police launched a manhunt for the suspect in a shooting that killed Democratic politician Melissa Hortman and left another, John Hoffman, injured.
Governor Tim Walz urged residents to stay away from rallies until the suspect was found, citing safety concerns.
In Florida, about a thousand people gathered at the old Capitol in Tallahassee, chanting “this is what community looks like” and waving signs that read “dissent is patriotic”.
One march neared the gates of Mr Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort but was turned back by sheriff’s deputies.
Organisers advised participants to avoid clashes with counterprotesters and to obey traffic laws.
The massive military parade commemorating the 250th birthday of the US Army, which coincides with Mr Trump’s big day, is being staged Saturday in Washington, DC.
The event is expected to include about 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters and 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks, as well as possibly 200,000 attendees and heightened security to match.
However, with bad weather forecast, it also appeared that rain would – quite literally – fall on the billionaire’s parade.
