President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that he would likely extend a deadline for TikTok’s Chinese owner to divest the popular video sharing app.

Trump had signed an order in early April to keep TikTok running for another 75 days after a potential deal to sell the app to American owners was put on ice.

“Probably yeah, yeah,” he responded when asked by reporters on Air Force One whether the deadline would be extended again.

“Probably have to get China approval but I think we’ll get it. I think President Xi will ultimately approve it.”

He indicated in an interview last month with NBC that he would be open to pushing back the deadline again. If it happens, it would be third time that the deadline has been extended.

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and JOEY CAPPELLETTI, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of Congress will attend emergency briefings this week after the killing of a Minnesota state lawmaker brought renewed fears — and stoked existing partisan tensions — over the security of federal lawmakers when in Washington and at home.

The suspect in the attack had dozens of federal lawmakers listed in his writings, besides the state lawmakers and others he’s accused of targeting. The man is accused of shooting and killing former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday in the northern Minneapolis suburbs and wounding another lawmaker and his wife at their home.

The shootings come after credible threats to members of Congress have more than doubled in the last decade, the troubling tally of an era that has been marked by a string of violent attacks against lawmakers and their families.

In 2011, Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot and wounded at an event in her Arizona district. In 2017, Republican Rep. Steve Scalise was shot and wounded as he practiced for a congressional baseball game with other GOP lawmakers near Washington. In 2022, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, was attacked by a man who broke into their San Francisco home. And in 2024, two men separately tried to assassinate Donald Trump during his Republican presidential campaign.

All four survived, some with serious injuries. But those attacks, among others and many close calls for members of both major political parties, have rattled lawmakers and raised recurring questions about whether they have enough security — and whether they can ever be truly safe in their jobs.

“I don’t have a solution to this problem right now,” said Minnesota Democratic Sen. Tina Smith, a friend of Hortman’s who received increased security after the attack. “I just see so clearly that this current state of play is not sustainable.”

Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy said lawmakers are “clearly at the point where we have to adjust the options available to us.”

The U.S. Capitol Police’s threat assessment section investigated 9,474 “concerning statements and direct threats” against members of Congress last year, the highest number since 2021, the year that the Capitol was attacked by Trump’s supporters after he tried to overturn his 2020 presidential election defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. In 2017, there were 3,939 investigated threats, the Capitol Police said.

While members of Congress may be high profile, they do have some resources available that might not be available to state and local lawmakers, said Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, who was a member of the South Dakota state Senate for 10 years before he was the state’s governor. In the state legislature, “it just wasn’t feasible all the time” to have increased security, said Rounds, a Republican.

As threats have increased, members of Congress have had access to new funding to add security at their personal homes. But it is unclear how many have used it and whether there is enough money to keep lawmakers truly safe.

“Resources should not be the reason that a U.S. senator or congressman gets killed,” Murphy said.

Instead of bringing lawmakers together, the Minnesota shootings have created new internal tensions. Smith on Monday confronted one of her fellow senators, Utah Republican Mike Lee, for a series of posts on X over the weekend. One mocked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat who ran for vice president last year. Another post said of the killings, “This is what happens when Marxists don’t get their way.”

Trump said he had no plans to call Walz, describing the Democratic leader as “so whacked out.”

“Why would I call him? I could call him and say, ‘Hi, how are you doing?’” the Republican president told reporters aboard Air Force One during an overnight flight back to Washington. “The guy doesn’t have a clue. He’s a mess. So, you know, I could be nice and call him, but why waste time?”

Friends and former colleagues interviewed by The Associated Press described Vance Luther Boelter, the man accused of killing Hortman and her husband, as a devout Christian who attended an evangelical church and went to campaign rallies for Trump. Records show Boelter registered to vote as a Republican while living in Oklahoma in 2004 before moving to Minnesota, where voters don’t list party affiliation. His attorney has declined to comment.

Smith talked to Lee outside a GOP conference meeting as soon as she arrived in Washington on Monday. “I would say he seemed surprised to be confronted,” she told reporters afterward.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York also called out Lee’s posts on the Senate floor, saying that for him to “fan the flames of division with falsities, while the killer was still on the loose, is deeply irresponsible. He should take his posts down and immediately apologize to the families of the victims.”

Lee’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

Lawmakers were already on edge before the shootings, which came less than two days after Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a press conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in California. Officers restrained Padilla and put him on the ground.

Angry Democratic senators immediately took to the Senate floor Thursday afternoon to denounce Padilla’s treatment. “What was really hard for me to see was that a member of this body was driven to his knees and made to kneel before authorities,” said New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker. “This is a test. This is a crossroads.”

Senate Democrats say at a briefing Tuesday they plan to ask security officials, as well as Republican leadership, about Padilla’s removal from the press conference and their protection against outside threats.

“I certainly hope to hear leadership responding in a profound way,” said New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, a Democrat.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., who said she had been informed that her name was also on the suspect’s list, said she wanted to hear recommendations at the briefing on how to improve security.

“And we can take those recommendations,” Baldwin said. “But I think, both with the president and his administration and with members of Congress, that we need to bring the temperature down. There’s no place for political violence ever. And the rhetoric — words matter.”

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he he won’t call Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after the targeted shootings of two state lawmakers because it would “waste time.”

One of the lawmakers and her husband were killed.

The Republican president spoke to reporters early Tuesday aboard Air Force One as he flew back to Washington after abruptly leaving an international summit in Canada because of rising tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. Asked if he planned to call Walz, Trump said the Democratic governor is “slick” and “whacked out” and said, “I’m not calling him.”

Presidents often reach out to other elected officials at times of tragedy to offer condolences.

Trump added, “The guy doesn’t have a clue. He’s a mess. So, you know, I could be nice and call him, but why waste time?”

Walz was the vice presidential running mate for 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, who lost her presidential bid to Trump. During the campaign, Walz often branded Trump and other Republican politicians as “just weird.”

By ROB GILLIES and JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press

KANANASKIS, Alberta (AP) — Six of the Group of Seven leaders are trying on the final day of their summit Tuesday to show the wealthy nations’ club still has the clout to shape world events despite the early departure of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his counterparts from the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and Japan will be joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO chief Mark Rutte to discuss Russia’s relentless war on its neighbor.

World leaders had gathered in Canada with the specific goal of helping to defuse a series of pressure points, only to be disrupted by a showdown over Iran’s nuclear program that could escalate in dangerous and uncontrollable ways. Israel launched an aerial bombardment campaign against Iran on Friday, and Iran has hit back with missiles and drones.

Trump left the summit in the Canadian Rocky Mountain resort of Kananaskis a day early late Monday, saying: “I have to be back, very important.” As conflict between Israel and Iran intensified, he declared that Tehran should be evacuated “immediately” — while also expressing optimism about a deal to stop the violence.

Before leaving, Trump joined the other leaders in issuing a statement saying Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon” and calling for a “de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.” Getting unanimity — even on a short and broadly worded statement — was a modest measure of success for the group.

At the summit, Trump warned that Tehran must curb its nuclear program before it’s “too late.” He said Iranian leaders would “like to talk” but they had already had 60 days to reach an agreement on their nuclear ambitions and failed to do so before the Israeli aerial assault began. “They have to make a deal,” he said.

Asked what it would take for the U.S. to get involved in the conflict militarily, Trump said Monday morning, “I don’t want to talk about that.“

But by Monday afternoon, Trump warned ominously on social media, “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Shortly after that, Trump decided to leave the summit and skip a series of Tuesday meetings that would address the war in Ukraine and trade issues.

The sudden departure only heightened the drama of a world that seems on verge of several firestorms. Trump already has imposed severe tariffs on multiple nations that risk a global economic slowdown. There has been little progress on settling the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Trump’s stance on Ukraine puts him fundamentally at odds with the other G7 leaders, who back Ukraine and are clear that Russia is the aggressor in the war.

The U.S. president on Monday suggested there would have been no war if G7 members hadn’t expelled Putin from the organization in 2014 for annexing Crimea.

Trump on Monday demurred when asked if he supported Russia, saying “I only care about saving lives.”

With talks on ending the war at an impasse, Starmer said Britain and other G7 members were slapping new tariffs on Russia in a bid to get it to the ceasefire negotiating table. Zelenskyy is due to attend the summit Tuesday at Carney’s invitation, along with other leaders including Rutte and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Trump declined to join in the sanctions on Russia, saying he would wait until Europe did so first.

“When I sanction a country, that costs the U.S. a lot of money, a tremendous amount of money,” he said.

Trump had been scheduled before his departure to meet with Zelenskyy and with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

On the Middle East, Merz told reporters that Germany was planning to draw up a final communique proposal on the Israel-Iran conflict that will stress that “Iran must under no circumstances be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons-capable material.”

Trump also seemed to put a greater priority on addressing his grievances with other nations’ trade policies than on collaboration with G7 allies. The U.S. president has imposed 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum as well as 25% tariffs on autos. Trump is also charging a 10% tax on imports from most countries, though he could raise rates on July 9, after the 90-day negotiating period set by him would expire.

He announced with Starmer that they had signed a trade framework Monday that was previously announced in May, with Trump saying that British trade was “very well protected’ because ”I like them, that’s why. That’s their ultimate protection.”

Associated Press writers Will Weissert in Banff, Alberta, and Josh Boak in Calgary, Alberta, contributed to this story.

By JOSEPH KRAUSS, JON GAMBRELL and NATALIE MELZER, Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel appeared to be expanding its air campaign against Tehran five days after its surprise attack on Iran’s military and nuclear program, as U.S. President Donald Trump posted an ominous message warning residents of the capital to evacuate.

“IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” Trump wrote Monday night before returning to Washington early from a Group of Seven summit in Canada. “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” he added.

Trump later denied he had rushed back to work on a ceasefire, telling reporters on Air Force One during the flight back to Washington: “I’m not looking at a ceasefire. We’re looking at better than a ceasefire.”

Asked why he had urged for the evacuation of Tehran, he said: “I just want people to be safe.”

Earlier, the Israeli military had called for some 330,000 residents of a neighborhood in downtown Tehran to evacuate. Tehran is one of the largest cities in the Middle East, with around 10 million people, roughly equivalent to the entire population of Israel. People have been fleeing since the hostilities began.

Israel says its sweeping assault on Iran’s top military leaders, nuclear scientists, uranium enrichment sites and ballistic missile program is necessary to prevent its longtime adversary from getting any closer to building an atomic weapon. The strikes have killed at least 224 people in Iran and wounded 1,277 since Friday.

Iran has retaliated by launching more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel. So far, 24 people have been killed in Israel and more than 500 wounded. The Israeli military said a new barrage of missiles was launched on Tuesday, and explosions could be heard in northern Israel.

Shops closed, lines for gas in Iran’s capital

Downtown Tehran appeared to be emptying out early Tuesday, with many shops closed. The ancient Grand Bazaar was also closed, something that only happened in the past during anti-government demonstrations or at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

On the roads out of Tehran to the west, traffic stood bumper to bumper. Many appeared to be heading to the Caspian Sea area. Long lines also could be seen at gas stations in Tehran, with printed placards and boards calling for a “severe” response to Israel visible across the city.

Authorities cancelled leave for doctors and nurses as the attacks continue, but insisted everything was under control and did not offer any guidance for the public on what to do.

The Israeli military meanwhile claimed to have killed someone it described as Iran’s top general in a strike on Tehran. Iran did not immediately comment on the reported killing of Gen. Ali Shadmani, who had just been named as the head of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, part of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

Iran has named other generals to replace the top leaders of the Guard and the regular armed forces after they were killed in earlier strikes.

Trump leaves G7 early to focus on conflict

Before leaving the summit in Canada, Trump joined the other leaders in a joint statement saying Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon” and calling for a “de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.”

French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters that discussions were underway on a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, but Trump appeared to shoot that down in his comments on social media.

Macron “mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to D.C. to work on a ‘cease fire’ between Israel and Iran,” Trump wrote. “Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth headed to the White House Situation Room to meet with the president and his national security team.

Hegseth didn’t provide details on what prompted the meeting but said on Fox News late Monday that the movements were to “ensure that our people are safe.”

Trump said he wasn’t ready to give up on diplomatic talks, and could send Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with the Iranians.

“I may,” he said. “It depends on what happens when I get back.”

Israel says it has ‘aerial superiority’ over Tehran

Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Monday his country’s forces had “achieved full aerial superiority over Tehran’s skies.”

The military said it destroyed more than 120 surface-to-surface missile launchers in central Iran, a third of Iran’s total, including multiple launchers just before they launched ballistic missiles towards Israel. It also destroyed two F-14 fighter planes that Iran used to target Israeli aircraft, the military said.

Israeli military officials also said fighter jets had struck 10 command centers in Tehran belonging to Iran’s Quds Force, an elite arm of its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard that conducts military and intelligence operations outside Iran.

Israel’s military issued an evacuation warning for a part of central Tehran that houses state TV and police headquarters, as well as three large hospitals, including one owned by the Guard. It has issued similar evacuation warnings for parts of the Gaza Strip and Lebanon ahead of strikes.

On Monday, an Israeli strike hit the headquarters of Iran’s state-run TV station, sending a television anchor fleeing her studio during a live broadcast. The Israeli military said Tuesday it had hit the station because “the broadcast channel was used to spread anti-Israel propaganda.”

Israel says strikes have set back nuclear program

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli strikes have set Iran’s nuclear program back a “very, very long time,” and told reporters he is in daily touch with Trump.

Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, and the U.S. and others have assessed Tehran has not had an organized effort to pursue a nuclear weapon since 2003. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly warned that the country has enough enriched uranium to make several nuclear bombs should it choose to do so.

So far, Israel has targeted multiple Iranian nuclear program sites but has not been able to destroy Iran’s Fordo uranium enrichment facility.

The site is buried deep underground — and to eliminate it, Israel may need the 30,000-pound (14,000-kilogram) GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a U.S. bunker-busting bomb that uses its weight and sheer kinetic force to reach deeply buried targets. Israel does not have the munition or the bomber needed to deliver it. The penetrator is currently delivered by the B-2 stealth bomber.

No sign of conflict letting up

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, appeared to make a veiled plea Monday for the U.S. to step in and negotiate an end to hostilities.

In a post on X, Araghchi wrote that if Trump is “genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential.”

“It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu,” Iran’s top diplomat wrote. “That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy.”

The message to Washington was sent as the latest talks between the U.S. and Iran were canceled over the weekend after Israel’s surprise bombardment.

On Sunday, Araghchi said Iran will stop its strikes if Israel does the same.

Melzer reported from Nahariya, Israel. Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi and Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Tara Copp in Washington contributed to this report.

By LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge ruled Monday it was illegal for the Trump administration to cancel several hundred research grants, adding that the cuts raise serious questions about racial discrimination.

U.S. District Judge William Young in Massachusetts said the administration’s process was “arbitrary and capricious” and that it did not follow long-held government rules and standards when it abruptly canceled grants deemed to focus on gender identity or diversity, equity and inclusion.

In a hearing Monday on two cases calling for the grants to be restored, the judge pushed government lawyers to offer a formal definition of DEI, questioning how grants could be canceled for that reason when some were designed to study health disparities as Congress had directed.

Young, an appointee of Republican President Ronald Reagan, went on to address what he called “a darker aspect” to the cases, calling it “palpably clear” that what was behind the government actions was “racial discrimination and discrimination against America’s LGBTQ community.”

After 40 years on the bench, “I’ve never seen government racial discrimination like this,” Young added. He ended Monday’s hearing saying, “Have we no shame.”

During his remarks ending the hearing, the judge said he would issue his written order soon.

Young’s decision addresses only a fraction of the hundreds of NIH research projects the Trump administration has cut — those specifically addressed in two lawsuits filed separately this spring by 16 attorneys general, public health advocacy groups and some affected scientists. A full count wasn’t immediately available.

While Young said the funding must be restored, Monday’s action was an interim step. The ruling, when formally issued, is expected to be appealed. The Trump administration didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

While the original lawsuits didn’t specifically claim racial discrimination, they said the new NIH policies prohibited “research into certain politically disfavored subjects.” In a filing this month after the lawsuits were consolidated, lawyers said the NIH did not highlight genuine concerns with the hundreds of canceled research projects studies, but instead sent “boilerplate termination letters” to universities.

The topics of research ranged widely, including cardiovascular health, sexually transmitted infections, depression, Alzheimer’s and alcohol abuse in minors, among other things. Attorneys cited projects such as one tracking how medicines may work differently in people of ancestrally diverse backgrounds, and said the cuts affected more than scientists — such as potential harm to patients in a closed study of suicide treatment.

Lawyers for the federal government said in a court filing earlier this month that NIH grant terminations for DEI studies were “sufficiently reasoned,” adding later that “plaintiffs may disagree with NIH’s basis, but that does not make the basis arbitrary and capricious.” The NIH, lawyers argued, has “broad discretion” to decide on and provide grants “in alignment with its priorities” — which includes ending grants.

Monday, Justice Department lawyer Thomas Ports Jr. pointed to 13 examples of grants related to minority health that NIH either hadn’t cut or had renewed in the same time period — and said some of the cancellations were justified by the agency’s judgement that the research wasn’t scientifically valuable.

The NIH has long been the world’s largest public funder of biomedical research.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

By SOPHIA TAREEN and DORANY PINEDA

CHICAGO (AP) — To Jose Abel Garcia, a Guatemalan immigrant in the Los Angeles area, President Donald Trump’s latest promise to expand deportations in Democratic-led cities doesn’t change much.

The 38-year-old garment worker said Trump’s doubling down on Democratic strongholds while pausing immigration arrests at restaurants, hotels and farms doesn’t spare workers who are simply trying to make rent.

“He just talks,” Garcia said. “The raids keep happening and it’s going to be hard for him to follow through on that because he isn’t acting alone.”

In recent days Trump has vowed to shift immigration enforcement away from political allies and toward political foes, prioritizing deportations in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and cities at “the core of the Democrat Power Center.” At the same time, he’s reversed course and paused arrests in industries that heavily rely on a foreign-born workforce.

Garcia and other immigrants say, either way, fears remain high in their communities, while experts note the Trump administration’s pullback on work site immigration enforcement is a lesson other administrations learned long ago. Meanwhile, Democrats and activists insist Trump’s moves are calculated and something they’ll use as a rallying cry.

Escalating political fight

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has been locked in a widening dispute with the Trump administration, said the motivation behind singling out Democratic cities is clear.

“Incite violence and chaos in blue states, have an excuse to militarize our cities, demonize his opponents, keep breaking the law and consolidate power,” Newsom posted Monday on X. “It’s illegal and we will not let it stand.”

Trump again fixed on New York and Chicago on Monday while pointing to Los Angeles demonstrations against his administration policies, and adding many of “those people weren’t from LA, they were from California.”

“I want to focus on the cities,” he said at the Group of Seven Summit in Canada.

The Trump administration has said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers would target at least3,000 arrests daily, up from about 650 daily during the first months of Trump’s second term. Already, the president and his allies have targeted so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions” with splashy live-streamed arrests, lawsuits and summoning mayors and governors to testify at the Capitol.

“It’s clear that Trump is escalating these attacks on Democratic cities because he’s threatened by the mass mobilizations,” said U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, a Chicago Democrat. “I expect Democrats will push back harder.”

In the Los Angeles area, a group of advocates continued community-led patrols to watch for ICE arrests and warn neighbors.

Organizer Francisco “Chavo” Romero said they’re also patrolling Metro rail stations and other public transit hubs.

“They double down, we triple down,” he said.

Worksite arrests

Pulling back on worksite enforcement is new for Trump, but not in recent history.

Going after employers on immigration compliance has been a controversial issue, particularly in industries that rely on immigrant labor. For instance, nearly half of those in meatpacking are thought to be born abroad.

Under a 1996 immigration law, the Clinton administration investigated hiring practices to weed out employees without proper U.S. work authorization and to punish employers. But it didn’t last long. Investigations took months. Workers were afraid to come to work. Some farmers complained their crops were suffering. Elected officials began to intervene.

“It pretty much stopped,” said Doris Meissner, a former commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which was the predecessor to ICE.

Now a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Migration Police Institute, she said other presidential administrations have grappled with the same problem.

“That’s always the conundrum: How do you hold the employer accountable?” she said. “You can go and get the workers and in two weeks there are going to be more workers hired.”

Earlier this month, immigration authorities raided an Omaha meat production plant, angering company officials who said they followed the law. Trump’s first administration saw the largest workplace sting in a decade with arrests at seven Mississippi chicken plants.

That made his shift to pause such operations a surprise. He wrote on Truth Social that the arrests were “taking very good, long time workers” away and it was hard to replace them.

How the pause will play out is unclear. A message left Monday with the Department of Homeland Security was not immediately returned.

Immigrants and activists left baffled

Still, Trump’s approach confused many.

“On one hand, he will stay away from certain industries and at the same time double down on Chicago,” said Lawrence Benito, head of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. “I’m not sure how to reconcile those two comments.”

He said the group would continue to help immigrants understand their rights in the case of ICE arrests.

U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez, a Chicago Democrat, accused Trump of trying to silence dissent.

In a lengthy post on his Truth Social site about cracking down on Democratic cities, Trump said, without any evidence, that Democrats were using immigrants living in the country without legal status to steal elections.

For others, the latest policies were simply another thing to worry about.

Jorge Lima, 32, said his immigrant parents from Mexico are only leaving home to go to their jobs as garment workers in California.

“They don’t go out anymore,” he said. “They’re afraid but they have to eat.”

Pineda reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writer Rebecca Santana contributed from Washington.

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By OLIVIA DIAZ, LEA SKENE, JOEY CAPPELLETTI and CALVIN WOODWARD

WASHINGTON (AP) — There were funnel cakes, stands of festival bling and American flags aplenty. There were mighty machines of war, brought out to dazzle and impress. And there was the spray of tear gas against demonstrators in Los Angeles and Atlanta, and rolling waves of anti-Trump resistance coast to coast.

In scenes of celebration, protest and trepidation Saturday, masses of Americans cheered for a rousing Army parade like none seen in Washington in generations. Masses more rallied across the country against a president derided by his critics as an authoritarian, would-be king.

On Saturday, the U.S. Army turned 250 and President Donald Trump 79. The double birthday bash energized crowds of well-wishers and military families in the capital while others decried the militarization of city streets — in Los Angeles, where a federalized National Guard and U.S. Marines remained deployed against unrest, and in Washington for the parade.

In these times, the fault lines of American life were evident.

“One nation under distress,” read a sign carried in a crowd of 1,000 protesters on the grounds of Florida’s old Capitol in Tallahassee. Forewarned of a heavy state response if the crowd caused any trouble, organizers implored the peaceful protesters to not so much as jaywalk.

Yet, in his Trump 2024 shirt, retired American Airlines pilot Larry Stallard happily lived out “one thing on my bucket list” from his perch on the parade route. Stallard, 82, came from Kansas City for the event. He declared Trump “one of the best presidents in my lifetime” and concluded, “It’s been a long day, but it’s worth it.”

Trump’s remarks, about eight minutes, were brief for him as he capped the showy parade he had longed for in his first term and, early in his second, finally got.

“There is no earthly force more powerful than the brave heart of the U.S. military or an Army Ranger paratrooper or Green Beret,” he told the crowd. From Bunker Hill to the mountains of Afghanistan, the president said, “the Army has forged a legacy of unmatched courage, untold sacrifice.”

Protests unfold across the nation

Spirited “No Kings” protests unfolded in cities and towns across the American republic. But in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz asked people to stay away from anti-Trump demonstrations after the assassination of state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, by a gunman still on the loose.

In Los Angeles, epicenter of days-long protests sparked by Trump’s crackdown on immigrants, police on horseback charged a previously calm crowd, firing tear gas and crowd control projectiles. “We weren’t doing anything but standing around chanting peaceful protest,” said Samantha Edgerton, a 37-year-old bartender.

Law enforcement officers in Atlanta deployed tear gas to divert several hundred nonviolent protesters heading toward Interstate 285 in the northern part of the city. In Culpeper, Virginia, one person was struck by an SUV that police say was intentionally accelerated into the crowd as protesters were leaving an event.

In Washington, more than 6,000 soldiers marched in period-by-period uniforms, dating back to the garb of the ragtag Continental Army and the rise of a nation that would become the world’s most potent military power. In the mix: tanks, parachute jumps and flyovers by more than 60 aircraft.

With evening thunderstorms in the forecast, the parade started well ahead of schedule. In the first 40 minutes, it sped through more than 200 years of Army history, from 1775 to 1991.

Vietnam-era helicopters, including the Huey, roared overhead, as did World War II-vintage aircraft. Sherman tanks, used extensively in that war’s European theater, rumbled in the procession along with modern machinery. The Army’s Golden Knights parachute team jumped early, releasing streaks of red smoke across the sky and making the crowd scream with excitement as they floated to the ground.

At the festival earlier, attendees sported apparel celebrating both the Army and Trump. Vendors moved through the crowd, selling Trump-themed merchandise, while others offered gear commemorating the Army’s milestone.

It was all too much for Wind Euler, 62, who flew from Arizona to join the protesters. “My father was a Marine in Iwo Jima, and he was a Republican,” Euler said. “I think he would be appalled by the fascist display this parade shows.”

Opinions as plentiful as the imagery

In a camouflage jacket and Army baseball hat, Army veteran Aaron Bogner of Culpeper, Virginia, decried how he believes Trump is using the U.S. military to advance a personal agenda. “I think it’s shameful,” Bogner said. “It’s just an engineered birthday party. It’s an excuse to have tanks in your streets like North Korea.”

Above all, Bogner said, he came to protest the deployment of U.S. troops in Los Angeles after lawlessness broke out in pockets of the city along with peaceful demonstrations. “I’m struggling to understand when it became unpatriotic to protest,” he said.

In Atlanta, police yelled “unlawful assembly” and “you must disperse” into megaphones as they used tear gas to divert protesters off the road. The tear gas caused the crowd to disperse away from the interstate. Two police helicopters flew above as the crowd moved.

Police in Charlotte, North Carolina, used bicycles to corral marchers. After the main “No Kings” march ended in Charlotte, a second, unpermitted march began, producing a police confrontation.

Officers formed a barricade with bicycles and yelled “move back” as protesters attempted to march through uptown Charlotte. In response, demonstrators chanted “let us walk” as police continued to shift them back. Protesters also shouted “peaceful protest” and “no more Nazis.”

Associated Press writers Mike Stewart in Atlanta; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jake Offenhartz in Los Angeles and Jacques Billeaud in Culpeper, Virginia, contributed.

By NICHOLAS RICCARDI

The assassination of one Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband, and the shooting of another lawmaker and his wife at their homes, is just the latest addition to a long and unsettling roll call of political violence in the United States.

The list, in the past two months alone: the killing of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. The firebombing of a Colorado march calling for the release of Israeli hostages, and the firebombing of the official residence of Pennsylvania’s governor — on a Jewish holiday while he and his family were inside.

And here’s just a sampling of some other disturbing attacks before that — the assassination of a health care executive on the streets of New York City late last year, the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in small-town Pennsylvania during his presidential campaign last year, the 2022 attack on the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi by a believer in right-wing conspiracy theories, and the 2017 shooting by a liberal gunman at a GOP practice for the congressional softball game.

“We’ve entered into this especially scary time in the country where it feels the sort of norms and rhetoric and rules that would tamp down on violence have been lifted,” said Matt Dallek, a political scientist at Georgetown University who studies extremism. “A lot of people are receiving signals from the culture.”

Politics behind both individual shootings and massacres

Politics have also driven large-scale massacres. Gunmen who killed 11 worshippers at a synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018, 23 shoppers at a heavily Latino Walmart in El Paso in 2019 and 10 Black people at a Buffalo grocery store in 2022 each cited the conspiracy theory that a secret cabal of Jews were trying to replace white people with people of color. That has become a staple on parts of the right that support Trump’s push to limit immigration.

The Anti-Defamation League found that from 2022 through 2024, all of the 61 political killings in the United States were committed by right-wing extremists. That changed on the first day of 2025, when a Texas man flying the flag of the Islamic State group killed 14 people by driving his truck through a crowded New Orleans street before being fatally shot by police.

“You’re seeing acts of violence from all different ideologies,” said Jacob Ware, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations who researches terrorism. “It feels more random and chaotic and more frequent.”

The United States has a long and grim history of political violence, from presidential assassinations dating back to the killing of President Abraham Lincoln to lynchings and violence aimed at Black people in the South to the 1954 shooting inside Congress by four Puerto Rican nationalists. Experts say the past few years, however, have likely reached a level not seen since the tumultuous days of the 1960s and 1970s, when icons like Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, Malcolm X and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated.

Ware noted that the most recent surge comes after the new Trump administration has shuttered units that focus on investigating white supremacist extremism and pushed federal law enforcement to spend less time on anti-terrorism and more on detaining people who are in the country illegally.

“We’re at the point, after these six weeks, where we have to ask about how effectively the Trump administration is combating terrorism,” Ware said.

Of course, one of Trump’s first acts in office was to pardon those involved in the largest act of domestic political violence this century — the Jan. 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol, intended to prevent Congress from certifying Trump’s 2020 election loss.

Those pardons broadcast a signal to would-be extremists on either side of the political debate, Dallek said: “They sent a very strong message that violence, as long as you’re a Trump supporter, will be permitted and may be rewarded.”

Ideologies aren’t always aligned — or coherent

Often, those who engage in political violence don’t have clearly defined ideologies that easily map onto the country’s partisan divides. A man who died after he detonated a car bomb outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic last month left writings urging people not to procreate and expressed what the FBI called “nihilistic ideations.”

But, like clockwork, each political attack seems to inspire partisans to find evidence the attacker is on the other side. Little was known about the man police identified as a suspect in the Minnesota attacks, 57-year-old Vance Boelter. Authorities say they found a list of other apparent targets that included other Democratic officials, abortion clinics and abortion rights advocates, as well as fliers for the day’s anti-Trump parades.

Conservatives online seized on the fliers — and the fact that Boetler had apparently once been appointed to a state workforce development board by Democratic Gov. Tim Walz — to claim the suspect must be a liberal. “The far left is murderously violent,” billionaire Elon Musk posted on his social media site, X.

It was reminiscent of the fallout from the attack on Paul Pelosi, the former House speaker’s then-82-year-old husband, who was seriously injured by a man wielding a hammer. Right-wing figures theorized the assailant was a secret lover rather than what authorities said he was: a believer in pro-Trump conspiracy theories who broke into the Pelosi home echoing Jan. 6 rioters who broke into the Capitol by saying: “Where is Nancy?!”

On Saturday, Nancy Pelosi posted a statement on X decrying the Minnesota attack. “All of us must remember that it’s not only the act of violence, but also the reaction to it, that can normalize it,” she wrote.

Trump had mocked the Pelosis after the 2022 attack, but on Saturday he joined in the official bipartisan condemnation of the Minnesota shootings, calling them “horrific violence.” The president has, however, consistently broken new ground with his bellicose rhetoric towards his political opponents, who he routinely calls “sick” and “evil,” and has talked repeatedly about how violence is needed to quell protests.

The Minnesota attack occurred after Trump took the extraordinary step of mobilizing the military to try to control protests against his administration’s immigration operations in Los Angeles during the past week, when he pledged to “HIT” disrespectful protesters and warned of a “migrant invasion” of the city.

Dallek said Trump has been “both a victim and an accelerant” of the charged, dehumanizing political rhetoric that is flooding the country.

“It feels as if the extremists are in the saddle,” he said, “and the extremists are the ones driving our rhetoric and politics.”

On the same day thousands of marching soldiers, rows of tanks, parachute jumps and flyovers were set to take center stage in the nation’s capital, millions of Americans made their views about those occupying the White House clear.

Ferndale police estimated 4,000 people turned out for Ferndale’s “No Kings” demonstration, hours before the 6:30 p.m. parade in Washington, D.C. Trump sought a parade for his June 14 birthday during his first term in office, but he didn’t get it. Saturday’s event, which is estimated to cost anywhere from $25-$40 million or more, has been recharacterized as part of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Ferndale police spokesman Evan Ahlin said organizers worked with police to ensure a peaceful event. Police responded to one medical issue involving an elderly woman that was quickly resolved, he said.

Jenny Pascal of Berkley carried a sign appealing for justice for all people. The mom and special needs teacher said she’s worried sick about how Medicaid changes will affect her vulnerable students.

“But it’s hard to pick one topic,” she said. “There’s so much at stake.”

Signs took aim at ICE deportations, Elon Musk’s influence on federal policy and spending, including plans to lay off 80,000 Veterans Administration employees, the erosion of civil rights policies and more. The crowd filled sidewalks on either side of Woodward Avenue at Nine Mile Road and the median. The sidewalks were filled for a half mile north and south of Nine Mile.

One sign read: “Democracy doesn’t fear protest. Dictators do.”

Another said, “If a senator can be handcuffed for asking a question, imagine what they will do to you?”

Some signs were professionally printed while others were handmade with cutouts. Some were pieces of ripped cardboard with statements scrawled using markers.

Demonstrators were peaceful but cheered loudly in response to drivers in passing cars who tooted or blared horns.

Debbie Rosenman of Bloomfield Township helped organize the event for Indivisible Fighting 9.

“I’m the daughter of a Holocaust survivor,” she said. “My dad taught me how bad dictators are, so when I see what is happening now in this country with taking away rights, the disappearing of people – even grabbing citizens off the street, – ignoring the judicial decisions, disrupting our public agencies. This makes me remember my dad and his words.”

Herman Bohm often told his daughter to fight for a healthy democracy, she added.

Rosenman said Ferndale police were very supportive of the group and she was glad threats of a counter-demonstration by Trump supporters never materialized.

“We saw one man with a Trump flag — but it said ‘Veterans against Trump” so that means he was with us,” she said.

About 2,000 No Kings demonstrations were organized across the U.S. and in 17 other countries, she said.

“We’ll keep coming to the streets,” she said. “We have to let our government know we’re not going to stand for this.”

Indivisible is organizing a July 5 “Elbows Up” rally at Hart Plaza with people in Windsor, she said, adding details will be announced soon. “We’re not gonna stop until we see change.”

Many people carried double-sided signs with slogans about different issues. Amelia Nowicki, 21, of Grosse Pointe Woods is one of the Michigan State University students on campus during the Feb. 13, 2023, mass shooting. She said fighting gun violence is one of her core issues. But she’s always been interested in politics and how government policy affects the environment.

“If you don’t have a planet to inhabit, we don’t have any of this. We don’t have each other,” she said.

Her double-sided sign said “Melt ICE, not icecaps.” and “No one is free until we’re ALL free.”

She said she and her dad have different political views.

“My mom is just nervous. She doesn’t want to get overly involved because she worries about repercussions and safety,” she said.

Greg Sumner teaches American history at University of Detroit-Mercy. On Saturday, he carried a sign stating “Washington would be appalled.”

“I wanted to make a historical reference that what’s happening today is unprecedented. The founders would be appalled,” he said. “We live with limited government. Our country was created by rebelling against a mad king, so that’s where we are today.”

By AAMER MADHANI and ELLIOT SPAGAT, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration directed immigration officers to pause arrests at farms, restaurants and hotels, after President Donald Trump expressed alarm about the impact of aggressive enforcement, an official said Saturday.

The move follows weeks of increased enforcement since Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff and main architect of Trump’s immigration policies, said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers would target at least 3,000 arrests a day, up from about 650 a day during the first five months of Trump’s second term.

Tatum King, an official with ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations unit, wrote regional leaders on Thursday to halt investigations of the agricultural industry, including meatpackers, restaurants and hotels, according to The New York Times.

A U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed to The Associated Press the contents of the directive. The Homeland Security Department did not dispute it.

“We will follow the President’s direction and continue to work to get the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens off of America’s streets,” Tricia McLaughlin, a Homeland Security spokesperson, said when asked to confirm the directive.

The shift suggests Trump’s promise of mass deportations has limits if it threatens industries that rely on workers in the country illegally. Trump posted on his Truth Social site Thursday that he disapproved of how farmers and hotels were being affected.

“Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace,” he wrote. “In many cases the Criminals allowed into our Country by the VERY Stupid Biden Open Borders Policy are applying for those jobs. This is not good. We must protect our Farmers, but get the CRIMINALS OUT OF THE USA. Changes are coming!”

While ICE’s presence in Los Angeles has captured public attention and prompted Trump to deploy the California National Guard and Marines, immigration authorities have also been a growing presence at farms and factories across the country.

Farm bureaus in California say raids at packinghouses and fields are threatening businesses that supply much of the country’s food. Dozens of farmworkers were arrested after uniformed agents fanned out on farms northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County, which is known for growing strawberries, lemons and avocados. Others are skipping work as fear spreads.

ICE made more than 70 arrests Tuesday at a food packaging company in Omaha, Nebraska. The owner of Glenn Valley Foods said the company was enrolled in a voluntary program to verify workers’ immigration status and that it was operating at 30% capacity as it scrambled to find replacements.

Tom Homan, the White House border czar, has repeatedly said ICE will send officers into communities and workplaces, particularly in “sanctuary” jurisdictions that limit the agency’s access to local jails.

Sanctuary cities “will get exactly what they don’t want, more officers in the communities and more officers at the work sites,” Homan said Monday on Fox News Channel. “We can’t arrest them in the jail, we’ll arrest them in the community. If we can’t arrest them in community, we’re going to increase work site enforcement operation. We’re going to flood the zone.”

The post Police say they have recovered writings in a car used by suspect in shooting of Minnesota lawmakers appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held a lengthy call Saturday to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Trump in a posting on his Truth Social platform said they spent the bulk of their conversation focused on Israel’s ongoing blistering attacks aimed at decapitating Iran’s nuclear program and Iran’s retaliatory strikes. But Trump said that he also pressed Putin to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end,” said Trump, who added the conversation went about an hour.

Putin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said Putin briefed Trump on his recent talks with the leaders of Iran and Israel and reiterated Russia’s proposal to seek mutually acceptable solutions on the Iranian nuclear issue.

“Vladimir Putin, having condemned the military operation against Iran, expressed serious concern about the possible escalation of the conflict,” Ushakov told reporters. He added that Putin raised concerns that escalating conflict between Israel and Iran threatened “unpredictable consequences for the entire situation in the Middle East.”

Putin also emphasized Russia’s readiness to carry out possible mediation efforts, and noted that Russia had proposed steps “aimed at finding mutually acceptable agreements” during U.S.-Iran negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program.

The Russia-Iran relationship has deepened since Putin launched a war on Ukraine in February 2022, with Tehran providing Moscow with drones, ballistic missiles, and other support, according to U.S. intelligence findings.

“Russia’s principled approach and interest in the settlement remain unchanged,” Ushakov said.

Trump described the regional situation as “very alarming,” Ushakov said, but acknowledged the “effectiveness” of Israel’s strikes on targets in Iran.

The leaders did not rule out a possible return to negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program, according to Ushakov.

Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff had been set to travel on Sunday to Oman for a sixth round of talks with Iranian officials aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear program — a meeting that was set before Israel launched strikes on Friday. But Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, said on Saturday that the meeting would not take place as planned.

Putin and Trump also discussed the ongoing exchange of war prisoners between Russia and Ukraine. The two sides traded more prisoners on Saturday under an arrangement brokered during talks between the two sides in Istanbul earlier this month.

“Our president noted that an exchange of prisoners of war is taking place, including seriously wounded and prisoners of war under 25 years of age,” Ushakov said, along with expressing readiness to continue negotiations with the Ukrainians.

Trump said Putin also wished him “a Happy Birthday.” The U.S. leader turned 79 on Saturday.

Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report.

The massive military parade commemorating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army, which coincides with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday is being staged Saturday in Washington, D.C. 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.

Opponents of the president’s agenda are simultaneously rallying in hundreds of cities nationwide at “No Kings” protests following days of nationwide demonstrations against federal immigration raids, including in Los Angeles, where Trump deployed the National Guard and U.S. Marines against the wishes of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The Associated Press is providing live video of the parade and “No Kings’ protests. Watch below:

Here’s the latest:

That’s it for the Army’s birthday parade

There have been troop formations, heavy artillery displays, flyovers, musical performances and a presidential address. But now the Army’s birthday parade is drawing to a close.

Fireworks are the last thing on the official schedule.

Another round of tear gas in LA chokes protesters, including families with kids

Officers fired more tear gas at protesters, surprising those who had gathered on the street and sidewalk a few blocks from a police line.

The clouds of gas wafted toward a family-friendly demonstration that has been going for hours outside City Hall. Young children covered their face with their t-shirts as those in the crowd without protective gear choked and coughed.

“We just wanted to come and support our people and we’re getting tear gassed for it,” said Melissa Bran, a 28-year-old pharmacist, as she dabbed her red eyes with a wet cloth.

Lee Greenwood takes the stage

He’s sung the song at hundreds of Trump-related events, and the singer is back performing “God Bless the U.S.A.” to help close out Saturday’s events.

Clad in a blue and white sport coat, tie and dark pants, Greenwood performed the song he’s sung at Trump’s political rallies across the country.

“God bless the United States Army,” Greenwood said, wrapping up.

Trump makes it short and sweet

Trump can be meandering in his big rally speeches, but seemed intent on speaking with breadth—but brevity — with his remarks to celebrate the U.S. Army 250th birthday.

“There is no earthly force more powerful than the brave heart of the U.S. military or an Army Ranger paratrooper, or Green Beret,” Trump said. “They are the best. They are the finest from Bunker Hill to San Juan Hill, from Gettysburg to Guadalcanal, from Yorktown to Shiloh, and from the trenches of the Argonne to the mountains of Afghanistan, the Army has forged a legacy of unmatched courage, untold sacrifice.”

The remarks clocked in at eight minutes.

In an unusual speech, a signature Trump line

“We’re the hottest country in the world right now,” the president said.

Trump rattled off anecdotes from old wars and stuck to script but did sneak in a vintage Trumpism as he boasted of the attention the United States has garnered.

Trump brags about strength of US military

“If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you.“Trump has been talking up the strength of the U.S. fighting force, saying that enemies that have challenged it have regretted doing so.

Adding that “the U.S. Army has driven bayonets into the hearts of evil empires,” Trump also said U.S. soldiers “fight, fight fight and they win, win win” — a reprise of a line regularly delivered during his 2024 campaign rallies

Trump justifies his big pricy, parade

“Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too,” Trump said.

The military says the parade will cost between $25 million and $45 million.

Trump is beginning his parade remarks

It’s the first time during the afternoon and evening celebrations that Trump has spoken, aside from administering the oath to new and re-enlisting soldiers. He walked out to the podium accompanied by his wife, who then went to her seat.

After Trump’s remarks, the celebration-wrapping fireworks are scheduled to go off.

Last protesters in Philadelphia are dispersed

Dozens of lingering protesters in Philadelphia were trailed by police on bicycles and on motorbikes with sirens blaring as officers urged them to move away.

They eventually dispersed a few hours after the scheduled march and speeches had ended. At least three people were detained.

Army parade showcases equipment sent to Ukraine

Some of the equipment on display isn’t just theoretical or historic. The Army has showcased weapons systems being used on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Some of the equipment on display is currently in use on the battlefield in Ukraine. The U.S. military has provided substantial support, including weapons and weapons systems from its own stockpiles, to help the Ukrainians fight a war against Russia.

These are some of the parade weapons that have been sent to Ukraine, along with the number supplied, according to the U.S. State Department.

1. Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (More than 300)

2. Abrams tanks (31)

3. Stryker armored personnel carriers (More than 400)

4. 105mm howitzers (72, along with 1 million 105mm artillery rounds)

5. 155mm howitzers (More than 200, along with more than 3 million 155mm artillery rounds)

6. HIMARS High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (More than 40)

‘Have a great life’

That was Trump’s comment to recruits as he swore them in to the U.S. Army.

“Congratulations, congratulations,” he told them. “Welcome to the United States Army! And have a great life”

Many parade attendees that had been steadily moving through the National Monument lawn froze in their tracks as Trump began giving the oath. Applause and cheers erupted as he finished

Trump swears in 250 new recruits and returning soldiers

Helping bring up the rear of the Army parade were hundreds of future troops, led by the band at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point including members of the Texas A&M Army Corps of Cadets. There were also new enlistees just going through Army initial entry training, cadets from the Virginia Military Institute and cadets from The Citadel in South Carolina.

The final participants include 250 brand new recruits or soldiers who are re-enlisting.

As they reached Trump, they turned toward him and raised their right hands. Standing at a podium, Trump then swore them into service, with soldiers repeating an oath after him.

Dispersal order seems to embolden LA protest

Tensions are escalating on the streets of downtown Los Angeles as police sought to disperse demonstrators, many of whom seemed caught off guard — and enlivened — by the abrupt orders to leave.

As police fired flash bangs and canisters of tear gas, protesters responded with loud fireworks and calls to “hold the line.” Volunteer medics in gas masks roamed the crowd, offering saline solution to those affected by tear gas.

Apache flyover happening in parade

Nine of the aircraft are flying over the parade route. The attack helicopters are designed for combat and ground support.

Modern military hardware on display

Soldiers are showing off the Army’s newest hardware, from modern rifles to vehicles to drones flying overhead.

Earlier, more tanks had rolled through the streets.

LAPD clears protesters with tear gas and crowd control munitions

A previously calm demonstration in downtown LA quickly turned chaotic as police on horseback charged at the crowd, striking some with wood rods and batons as they cleared the street in front of the federal building.

Officers then fired tear gas and crowd control projectiles at the large group, sending demonstrators, hot dog vendors and passing pedestrians fleeing through the street. Some have since regrouped, ignoring an LAPD dispersal order.

“It was a total 100% over-reaction. We weren’t doing anything but standing around chanting peaceful protest,” said Samantha Edgerton, a 37-year-old bartender.

A parade brought to you by Coinbase, Palantir and UFC

The military says the parade will only cost between $25 million and $45 million because several corporations are sponsoring the celebration.

Among those are some tightly connected to Trump. They include the cryptocurrency firm Coinbase, which added Trump’s campaign manager to its advisory council. The technology firm Palantir was founded by billionaire Peter Thiel, who used to employ Vice President JD Vance.

And Ultimate Fighting Championship’s founder, Dana White, is a Trump ally who joined the president at the reviewing stand.

Traditional military contractors like Amazon and Lockheed Martin also sponsored the event.

Army to culminate parade with the machinery it’s counting on in modern warfare

The final war portion of the parade is expected to be a thunderous, 31-minute long procession of all the heavy tanks, artillery and helicopters the Army is counting on for any near-term future conflict. That includes scores of Black Hawk helicopters, all variants of towed and self-propelled artillery, and even the HIMARS High Mobility Artillery Rocket System that has been so coveted by Ukraine as it fights Russia.

The final sections of marching troops represent the Army’s future

The band at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point will lead hundreds of future troops, including members of the Texas A&M Army Corps of Cadets, new enlistees just going through Army initial entry training, cadets from the Virginia Military Institute and cadets from The Citadel in South Carolina.

Last, 250 brand new recruits or soldiers who are re-enlisting will reach the president. As they do, they will turn toward him and raise their right hand, and Trump will swear them into service.

Philadelphia protest still isn’t totally wrapped up

A few hours after the scheduled march and speeches in Philadelphia had ended, a contingent of police officers on bicycles was monitoring and trying to disperse dozens of protesters who were still gathered in one area, and at least three people had been detained.

The small crowd — some of them wearing masks or other partial face coverings — chanted phrases like “Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here” and “Free Palestine,” and some shouted at the officers. They carried signs with phrases including “ICE AN AGENT,” “Healthcare for all” and “The 3rd Impeachment’s the charm!”

Helicopters haven’t been big part of the parade

It was anticipated that there would be dozens of helicopters flying overhead during portions of the parade dedicated to the Gulf War and global war on terror, but that didn’t happen.

Low visibility and lots of clouds in the Washington area seem to have contributed to less of an aircraft presence in the parade. Some Vietnam-era helicopters were part of an earlier portion.

Parade has been underway for an hour

The rain is a slight drizzle in Washington now as the Army birthday parade crosses the one-hour mark.

Organizers had anticipated the parade in total would last about 90 minutes.

1 person arrested over threat to rally in Texas

The Texas Department of Public Safety said one person has been arrested in connection with the threat to Democratic state lawmakers attending a rally at the state Capitol. The threat had caused state police to close the capitol grounds for several hours.

A DPS spokesperson said the person was arrested after a traffic stop in La Grange, about 65 miles (104 kilometers) east of Austin. Officials did not immediately release more details about the threat or the arrest.

Scenes from the parade

Trump stood and saluted during the Gulf War section of the parade and pumped his fist as Hegseth, sitting next to him, gave a thumbs up.

A huge guitar riff blasted over the speakers as the M1 Abrams tanks rolled past.

The crowd included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife Jeanette, Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Dana White, CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Along the parade route, a variety of service members are monitoring and protecting the parade — from uniformed members of the U.S. Park Police to Secret Service officers to uniformed Army members.

Troops, helicopters represent Global War on Terror

We’ve reached the Global War on Terrorism phase of the parade, memorializing the most recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Trump has been critical of the U.S. involvement in those wars.

Troops from the 10th Mountain Division deployed more than 20 times to Afghanistan and Iraq as part of the Global War on Terror, following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

As they march past, the160th SOAR will fly overhead in the three helicopter types they operate – the OH-6 “Little Bird,” the MH-60 Black Hawk and the MH-47 Chinook.

US Marines are standing guard outside LA’s federal building, face to face with protesters

It was the first time that the Marines have appeared at a demonstration since they were deployed to city on Friday with the stated mission of defending federal property.

Dozens of Marines stood shoulder to shoulder in full combat gear, hands on their rifles, beside other law enforcement, including Department of Homeland Security officers at the National Guard.

Directly in front of them, hundreds of protesters jeered in English and Spanish, telling the federal troops to go home.

Police say driver intentionally accelerated SUV at Virginia protest

One person was struck by an SUV that police say was driven recklessly through a crowd at a protest Saturday in Culpeper, Virginia.

Police say the 21-year-old driver intentionally accelerated the SUV into the crowd as protesters were leaving the event.

It’s unclear whether there were any injuries. Police haven’t yet identified the person who was struck by the SUV.

The Bradley fighting vehicle has made an appearance

Though it looks like a tank, it’s technically not.

Bradleys have been used since the 1960s and were used extensively during the U.S. wars in Iraq. More recently, the U.S. has given some to the Ukrainian military to assist in its fight against Russia.

Things to know: What makes a weapon system a ‘howitzer’

A howitzer is any type of angled, short barrel gun that is able to launch projectiles high into the air and over long distances.

Gulf War: 100 hours and racing Abrams tanks

America’s lightning-fast 100-hour race across Iraq and defeat of Iraq in February 1991 is being represented by troops whose units led the way – the 1st Infantry Division based at Fort Cavazos, Texas, soon to be renamed Fort Hood.

The armored division may be best remembered for racing across the desert in M1-Abrams tanks – and this will be the first time in the parade we see the massive, 60-ton Abrams roll past.

In the battle of 73 Easting, nine U.S. M1-Abrams tanks led by then-Army Capt. HR McMaster were outnumbered by Iraqi tanks – but prevailed, destroying an estimated 50 Iraqi tanks and vehicles.

This is far from the biggest US military parade

Trump is expected to speak as part of the Army semi-quincentennial that happens to fall on his birthday. There are bipartisan concerns about the cost of the spectacle, which this civilian commander in chief has pitched as a way to celebrate U.S. power.

But with just 6,600-plus troops marching, it’s hardly the biggest to be held in America.

President Andrew Johnson appears to still hold that record, set when his “Grand Review of the Armies” marked the end of the Civil War. That show of force in 1865, meant to salve a war-weary nation, included 145,000 soldiers marching down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Read more about past U.S. military parades

Helicopters to mark the ‘Helicopter War’

The Vietnam War was the first time helicopters were used in massive numbers in combat, leading it to be known as the “Helicopter War.” More than 12,000 helicopters were flown by the U.S. during the war, and seven will fly overhead as U.S. troops representing that conflict march past Trump.

The helicopters include the UH-1 “Huey,” which was used for everything from troop transport to medevac to supplies; the AH-1 “Cobra” gunship; and the OH-1 “Loach” – a daredevil helicopter whose crews scouted out enemy troops.

WWII planes make an appearance

Despite fears that weather would force aircraft to stay on the ground, the parade included a flyover of World War II era planes.

Other innovative Army armor and artillery join the tanks

The artillery and armor were key to that quick Gulf War victory, including eight Bradley Fighting Vehicles, two M109 Paladins – a self-propelled howitzer that weighs about half of what an Abrams does – and six M119 lightweight towed howitzers.

Tanks on the streets of the nation’s capital

The first tanks have appeared. Sherman tanks, which were used extensively in the European theater during World War II, are rolling past Trump.

It’s a lot of saluting for Trump today

Normally the commander in chief salutes when presented with U.S. military troops, and Trump is doing a lot of saluting during the parade.

He’s been seated for much of the parade so far, but at times the president has stood and saluted as troops move by the reviewing stand.

The parade has been moving swiftly, with severe weather predicted for the area. It started slightly early, too.

WWII gave us the Jeep, and six are in the parade

The Army needed a lightweight vehicle to run up and down troop lines and to carry injured soldiers and even letters home. Both Ford and Willys built Jeeps and together manufactured more than 650,000 of them.

Six of the historic jeeps are in formation in the World War II section of the parade.

Sky parade honors Army’s fighter, bomber legacies

As soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell Kentucky and Fort Bragg’s 82nd Airborne Division march, six aircraft will fly overhead, including four P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft, two B-25 Mitchell bombers and one C-47 Skytrain.

The P-51 is one of the most recognizable fighters in the world. It played a critical role in reducing U.S. heavy bomber casualties once the aircraft came online and could escort the aircraft to target.

The B-25 Mitchell was made famous by the Doolittle Raid, where 16 stripped-down-to-the-bones B-25s took off from the carrier USS Hornet to strike Tokyo.

The C-47 Skytrain is known by its three flighting stripes on its wings and body – so painted in the hours before D-Day so U.S. warships wouldn’t shoot at them as the planes flew low and fast toward France with 13,000 paratroopers on board to jump into Normandy.

World War I and the birth of the 82nd Airborne ‘All American Division’

The 150 soldiers wearing period costumes for World War I are from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

The unit was established in August 1917 and was nicknamed the “All-Americans” because soldiers were initially pulled from 48 states to form it.

‘It’s a good time to be proud to be American,’ attendee says

Shelly and John Legg from Oklahoma were standing in the parade’s special guest section with their two sons. John Legg is a retired colonel of 34 years in the Army.

He’s never seen anything like what’s anticipated to come — tanks rolling down the streets of D.C.

“It’s a good time to be proud to be American,” Legg said.

Asked about the notion of military members being deployed to protests in California over immigration, Legg said it’s been done before and is in response to destruction of the city.

Legg said he supports peaceful protest, but violence is not acceptable. “That’s why we serve, so people can speak their mind, but it has to be done in peace.”

Golden Knights parachute team sails though the air

The crowd, with their heads tilted upwards, screams with excitement as the U.S. Army’s official parachute demonstration and competition team glides toward the Ellipse. Red smoke released by the parachuters streaked across the sky.

The paratroopers’ arrival was moved up, likely because of the deteriorating weather. They had been slated for the end of the parade.

Clouds shrouded the Washington Monument as the parade unfolded. The rain remains intermittent, just a few light drops.

Trump is all smiles as the Army birthday celebration begins

Light rain drops begin to fall as Trump walks onto the stage and the National Anthem is sung.

Trump is standing and broadly smiling. He claps as the United States Army Band is introduced.

Next, Trump and dignitaries take their seats as the Old Guard Army Fife and Drum Corps is introduced.

Trump arrives at parade stands

The president and first lady Melania Trump have arrived at the stands where they will review the Army parade.

Trump waves and pumps his fist to the crowd, who cheer and chant “USA!, USA!”

In addition to the military branch’s birthday, Saturday is also Trump’s birthday. The Army is turning 250, while the president is now 79.

It’s now raining along the parade route

Raindrops have begun to fall as the Army birthday parade prepares to kick off.

Trump left the White House nearly 45 minutes earlier than originally expected, and is on his way to the reviewing area.

Larry Stallard, a retired American Airlines pilot who turns 83 next month, traveled from Kansas City for the weekend “to see the military and see Trump.”

Trump supporter says Army celebration is ‘on my bucket list’

Larry Stallard, a retired American Airlines pilot who turns 83 next month, traveled from Kansas City for the weekend.

“I’m going to watch the parade, that’s the main thing,” he said.

He added that it was “hard to believe” people are upset about the cost of the event when “they blow that in 10 seconds on things that we don’t even need.”

Protesters in NYC describe why they’re taking to the streets

Marchers in the crowd in New York had diverse reasons for coming, including anger over Trump’s immigration policies, support for the Palestinian people and outrage over what they said was erosion of free speech rights.

But there were patriotic symbols, too. Leah Griswold, 32, and Amber Laree, 59, who marched in suffragette white dresses, brought 250 American flags to the march to hand out to people in the crowd.

“Our mothers who came out, fought for our rights, and now were fighting for future generations as well,” said Griswold.

Forecasters warn of ‘damaging wind gusts’ during parade

In addition to the flood watch in place until 11 p.m., the National Weather Service says that gusting winds could roll through the Washington area.

The White House has said that the parade goes on rain or shine, but lightning could bring things to a halt.

Red, white and blue punch — and a saber

Those are all festive components of the Army’s birthday party cuisine.

Patriotic punch is being ladled out for attendees of celebrations on the National Mall. There are separate silver bowls with red, white and blue drinks.

It’s handed out alongside slices of the Army’s birthday cake, which was a multi-tier confection that uniformed officials cut into with a saber.

White House specifically asked to add Air Force jets to Army parade, official says

The Air Force is horning in on the Army’s 250th birthday parade — at the request of the White House, a U.S. official confirmed on Saturday.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said that the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and F-22 fighter jets were a late addition to the parade schedule. The official said the White House specifically made the request. The jets are scheduled to fly over the National Mall near the beginning of the parade.

It wasn’t clear why they were added, since the 250th birthday festival and parade are solely featuring Army units, vehicles and equipment. But the Army does not have fighter jets — only the Air Force and Navy do.

— By Lolita C. Baldor

A veteran from Texas says he’s in DC to see history in action

Steve Donnelly, a 62 year-old pilot who served in the military from 1986 to 1994, said he traveled from Houston, Texas, “to witness everything going on” in D.C. this weekend, from the protests to the parade itself.

He said he didn’t necessarily agree with the need for the parade, but wanted to see history in action.

Celebrity chefs add flavor to Army celebration

Celebrity chef Robert Irvine, known for his work on the Food Network, and former White House chef Andre Rush attended a festival honoring the Army’s 250th anniversary.

Rush, wearing a camouflage shirt emblazoned with “Chef Rush,” posed for photos with service members inside a tent, while Irvine observed the festivities unfolding on a stage outside.

In New York City, the crowd of protesters stretches for blocks

As a light rain fell, thousands of people marched along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue from Bryant Park to Madison Square Park, a distance of just under a mile.

“We’ve got to see a change. Our country’s better than what we’re in right now,” said Todd Drake, 63, an artist. Some protesters held signs denouncing Trump. Others banged drums.

“We’re here because we’re worried about the existential crisis of this country and the planet and our species,” said Sean Kryston, 28, of Brooklyn.

Veteran says Army festival is ‘hot and long lines but well worth it’

Doug Haynes, a Navy veteran and self-described “Trump kind of guy” attended the Army’s 250th birthday festival but called the upcoming parade “a little over the top.”

Pointing at a nearby tank, Haynes said having them roll down the street is a “very bold statement to the world, perhaps.”

“I’m a Trump kind of guy, but I think things could have been done a little smoother, with a little more finesse. I’m a little disappointed in that,” said Haynes, who lives in the Baltimore area but works around D.C.

Dancing to the beat in Los Angeles, two blocks from a military force

Thousands have gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles. It’s a boisterous crowd of people waving signs and listening to a Native American drum circle and dance performances.

Signs included “Protesting is not a crime,” “We carry dreams not danger” and “ICE out of LA.”

One demonstrator carried a 2-foot-tall Trump pinata on a stick, with a crown on his head and sombrero hanging off his back.

The City Hall Plaza is around the corner and a block away from the federal building where National Guard troops and U.S. Marines have been deployed.

Protesters flee tear gas in Georgia

In DeKalb County, Georgia, protesters ran away and even climbed over shrubs to escape from police who set off tear gas and detained several people.

It wasn’t immediately clear what prompted officers to set off the tear gas.

‘No Kings’ rally site at Texas Capitol temporarily closed due to threat

The Texas Department of Public Safety said it “identified a credible threat toward state lawmakers planning to attend” the demonstration at the state Capitol later Saturday evening. Officers then closed the building and the surrounding grounds, forcing the public to evacuate.

About two hours before the scheduled start, the grounds remained closed, with some troopers telling people to remain off the grounds.

DPS spokeswoman Ericka Miller did not say if or when the area would reopen, or provide any details about the threat, adding that it was still under investigation.

“DPS has a duty to protect the people and property of Texas and is continuously monitoring events occurring today and their impact on public safety across the state,” Miller said.

Anti-war protesters rally inside the Army festival

Standing in front of military equipment inside the festival, a small crowd with the group Code Pink chanted “Peace not war!” and held bright pink banners with slogans like “Defund War, Refund Communities” and “No Weapons to Israel.”

At the same time, festivalgoers wearing red, white and blue apparel climbed in and out of the nearby tank. For the most part, the protesters were being ignored by both police and festivalgoers.

US Congressional leaders implore Americans to condemn — and end — political violence

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said after the shocking shooting of Minnesota lawmakers: “Such horrific political violence has no place in our society, and every leader must unequivocally condemn it.”

GOP Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said: “Political violence has no place in our nation.”

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries requested additional security for U.S. lawmakers. “Our country is on the edge like never before,” said Jeffries of New York. “We need leadership that brings America together, instead of tearing us apart.”

Democratic Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, whose husband was brutally attacked in their home in 2022, and Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who was gravely wounded after being shot in 2017 at a congressional baseball game practice, both pleaded for the political violence to end. “There can be no tolerance of political violence and it must be stopped,” said Scalise, R-La.

Georgia officers use tear gas to keep protesters off highway

Law enforcement deployed tear gas to divert several hundred protesters heading toward Interstate 285 in northern Atlanta Saturday. A journalist was seen being detained by officers.

Law enforcement officers yelled “unlawful assembly” and “you must disperse” into megaphones as they used tear gas to divert protesters off the road they marched on. The gas caused the crowd to disperse, and two police helicopters flew overhead as the crowd moved.

While a few demonstrators were equipped with gas masks, most protesters did not have personal protective equipment. The crowd was generally younger and more diverse than other demonstrations around Atlanta. Some held signs and American flags as they marched.

DC protest march pauses at a park north of the White House

The crowd has arrived in a small park near Lafayette Square, the currently fenced-off park across from the White House.

Protesters are listening to people speaking, or milling around and taking breaks in the shade.

Trump-themed merch is on sale outside the festival

Attendees lining up to enter the festival area on the National Mall passed multiple vendors selling flags and MAGA hats.

One standout item is a somewhat outlandish Trump doll that moves and claps brass cymbals. If you touch its head, framed by a shock of yellow hair, his eyes bug out and it says Trumpisms like “We must make our schools great again” and “I will have no choice but to destroy North Korea.”

“I know he looks crazy,” the vendor says proudly.

Asking price: $20 each.

Philadelphia rallygoers get their ‘Rocky’ moment

Marchers shouted “Whose streets? Our streets!” as they approached the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where they listened to speakers on the steps made famous in the movie “Rocky.”

“So what do you say, Philly?” Democratic U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland shouted to the crowd. “Are you ready to fight back? Do you want a gangster state or do you want free speech in America?”

The whole crowd joined in a chant: “No hate. No fear. Immigrants are welcome here,” in response to speaker Lorella Praeli, co-president of the Community Change organization.

A handful of anti-war protesters are at the Army festival

Among the crowds lining up to enter the festival grounds, one group stood out: about a dozen people wearing Code Pink t-shirts with some waving Palestinian flags.

“We’re here to speak out against the war machine,” said Medea Benjamin, co-founder of the Code Pink anti-war group.

Festivalgoers celebrating the Army and Trump mix on the National Mall

A line to enter the festival marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary stretches nearly half a block. Attendees are sporting apparel that celebrates both the Army and Trump, whose birthday coincides with the event.

Vendors move through the crowd, selling Trump-themed merchandise, while others offer gear commemorating the Army’s milestone. Outside the festival gates, a large video board promotes careers in the Army, urging onlookers to consider enlistment.

Crowd marches peacefully through downtown Washington

Escorted by police vehicles and officers on bicycles, some of the protest leaders are holding a giant banner that reads “TRUMP MUST GO NOW.”

Marchers are chanting: “Danger, danger, there’s a fascist in the White House. It’s up to us to drive him out.”

Chuck Schumer seeks emergency protection for Minnesota senators

Senate Democratic Leader said he’s asked Capitol Police to “immediately increase security” for Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, both Democrats, following the shootings of lawmakers in Minnesota by a suspect who has not yet been found.

Schumer said he had also asked Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to hold a briefing for senators on member security.

“Condemning violence is important but it is not enough,” Schumer said in a post on X. “We must also confront the toxic forces radicalizing individuals and we must do more to protect one another, our democracy, and the values that bind us as Americans.”

North Carolina college student: It’s about what’s right and wrong

What brought Jocelyn Abarca out to protest in uptown Charlotte’s First Ward Park was a chance to “speak for what’s right.”

But the 21-year-old college student was also motivated by what she views as wrong: mass deportations and the deployment of military forces to the streets of Los Angeles.

“I think that it goes against our Constitution and what we stand for as a nation, because we all come out here peacefully to protest and speak on what’s important,” Abarca said.

Seeing thousands of gather in protest is a “powerful” demonstration of people coming together, she said.

“If we don’t stop it now, it’s just going to keep getting worse,” she said.

One Los Angeles neighborhood braces for violence

The majority of businesses in Little Tokyo are boarded up ahead of the “No Kings” protest in downtown LA.

Ramen spots, bail bonds, gift shops — some put up plywood and others used cardboard or paper to cover their windows. One board had a handwritten message that read “Mexican owned business,” likely trying to signal solidarity. Protest signs and fresh anti-ICE graffiti are already showing up around the area.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene checks out the Army’s CrossFit space

The Georgia Republican stopped by the area on the National Mall where Army members are demonstrating how they train with CrossFit.

She also told former Trump strategist Steve Bannon on his “War Room” show that she sees their methods as “the best way to train.”

As Greene spoke, troops could be seen behind her riding stationary bikes and doing team lifting exercises, with the National Monument in the background.

Greene previously owned a CrossFit gym and has competed in the CrossFit Games.

Army veteran: ‘It’s shameful. He didn’t serve’

Aaron Bogner, who served in the Army from 1993 to 1996, said Trump is using the American military to advance his personal agenda by having soldiers march in a parade that coincides with his 79th birthday.

“I think it’s shameful. He didn’t serve,” said the 50-year-old Bogner, who wore a camouflage jacket and Army baseball hat. “It’s just an engineered birthday party. It’s an excuse to have tanks in your streets like North Korea.”

Above all, Bogner said, he’s protesting the deployment of U.S. troops against people who are challenging how the Trump administration is detaining immigrants. He calls this hypocritical for a president who broadly issued pardons to people who participated in the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

Small crowd of demonstrators prepares to march toward the White House

Roughly 200 protesters have assembled in northwest Washington’s Logan Circle, about a 20 minute walk from the White House. They’ve handed out signs and danced to upbeat music from a local street band, including “This Land Is Your Land.”

The mood was celebratory as the group chanted “Trump must go now” before erupting in cheers. A larger than life puppet of Trump was wheeled through the crowd: The caricature shows the president wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet.

Other protesters waved pride flags and hoisted signs, some with pointed messages such as “I prefer crushed ICE,” “The invasion was HERE Jan. 6th, NOT in L.A.” and “Flip me off if you’re a FASCIST.”

Protesters gather in nation’s capital, flanked by relaxed police officers

Anthony Rattler, a Washington area native, said he joined the rally in Logan Circle to support the myriad groups he sees experiencing discrimination under Trump, including the Black community, LGBT people and immigrants. He hopes Trump is embarrassed when he sees widespread protests around the country Saturday.

“What’s happening to our country is just awful,” said Rattler, 43. “It would be one thing if it was just a difference in policy issues but this is downright fascism.”

As a Black man whose grandfather served in the Korean War, Rattler said he feels compelled to make his voice heard. “Our ancestors worked too hard and built too much of what we’re all able to enjoy now,” he said. “Our community is tired but we can’t just stay home.”

MAGA man hits golf balls toward marches in Philadelphia

A man wearing a red Make America Great Again hat started hitting golf balls at marchers as they moved through Philadelphia’s Logan Circle.

Marcher Andrew Graziano, 39, from Philadelphia, said marchers tried to ask him nicely to stop. The man protested he’s there every weekend.

The marchers took his golf balls but not his club, and he swiftly disappeared across a city park.

Thousands of people streamed into the blocked-off Benjamin Franklin Parkway as organizers and police directed attendees toward the middle of the six-lane divided thoroughfare for the roughly mile-long march toward the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

A stage was set up outside for expected speakers, including Martin Luther King III, to address the throng of demonstrators.

Minnesota organizers cancel their ‘No Kings’ rallies as manhunt continues

State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic asked people “out of an abundance of caution” not to attend any of the “No Kings” protests that were scheduled for across the state on Saturday.

The warnings come after two Democratic lawmakers and their spouses were shot. Melissa Hortman, a former Minnesota House Speaker, and her spouse were shot and killed early Saturday in their Brooklyn Park home. A second state lawmaker, Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, were shot multiple times in Champlin and were wounded. Officials said the shootings were politically motivated.

Bogojevic said authorities didn’t have any direct evidence that the protests would be targeted, but said the suspect had some “No Kings” flyers in their car.

Organizers announced that all of the protests across the state were canceled.

Minnesota governor recommends avoiding protests during manhunt

Police said two Democratic state lawmakers and their spouses were shot in their homes early Saturday by a suspect who may have been posing as a police officer. Gov. Tim Walz said the lawmakers were deliberately targeted, and authorities are still searching for a suspect.

Walz said in social media posts that state law enforcement “is recommending that people do not attend any political rallies today in Minnesota until the suspect is apprehended.”

Walz says that recommendation came from the state Department of Public Safety. Protests rallying against Trump are planned in nearly 2,000 locations across the country — including multiple cities in Minnesota.

Many protesters are displaying American flags on Flag Day

An organizer leads protestors in a chant during the “No Kings” protest, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Protesters in cities across the country are waving American flags, days after the presence of Mexican and other Latin American flags at Los Angeles protests was called anti-American by many conservatives.

At “No Kings” rallies from Los Angeles to Tallahassee, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Charlotte, North Carolina, the red-white-and-blue is on prominent display.

The proliferation of flags from other countries like Mexico at earlier Los Angeles demonstrations drew critique from Republicans including Trump. In remarks at Fort Bragg, the president cited the presence of “foreign flags” as evidence of “a foreign invasion of our country.”

A veteran’s daughter felt compelled to fly to Washington

Wind Euler said she came to Washington to protest on Saturday out of a sense of duty.

The Arizona native has attended demonstrations as early as the 80s, and has protested Trump’s actions throughout his second term in her home state. But the notion of a military parade scheduled on the president’s birthday is what pushed her to buy the plane ticket.

“It’s an inappropriate use by the GOP of our military,” Euler, 62, said. “My father was a Marine in Iwo Jima, and he was a Republican. I think he would be appalled by the fascist display this parade shows.”

Euler is confident that protests will remain peaceful in Washington, and hopes that they will keep that way across the country, too.

“I think fascism is violent enough,” Euler said. “We need to show we can make change in this country without harming anyone.”

It’s a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd at the ‘No Kings’ rally in North Carolina

Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in Charlotte’s First Ward Park, listening to speakers before marching around town.

The crowd is diverse, with a lot of families in attendance. Most people are holding American flags, and many signs denounce “King Trump.” Some people are tethering a blow-up Baby Trump balloon. One prominent sign: “The power of the people is stronger than the people in power.”

Democrats and Republicans alike called for peaceful protests …

But there’s been a distinct difference in tone between each party’s governors ahead of the day’s protests, organized in nearly 2,000 locations across the country, from city blocks and small towns to courthouse steps and community parks.

Republican governors in Virginia, Texas, Nebraska and Missouri are mobilizing National Guard troops to help law enforcement manage demonstrations. There will be “zero tolerance” for violence, destruction or disrupting traffic, and “if you violate the law, you’re going to be arrested,” Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, told reporters Friday.

Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, also called for peaceful protests — to ensure Trump doesn’t send in the military. “Donald Trump wants to be able to say that we cannot handle our own public safety in Washington state,” Ferguson said.

In California, where state troopers were put on “tactical alert,” cancelling any days off for all officers, Gov. Gavin Newsom also warned protesters not to give Trump any justification for more military deployments.

Who is organizing the protests?

The 50501 Movement has been orchestrating the across-the-country protests — the name stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.

The group says it picked the “No Kings” name to support democracy and speak out against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration.

Protests earlier this year have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Protesters have called for Trump to be “dethroned” as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.

On its website, the group says it expects participants “to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation” and not to bring weapons to any events.

A rather awkward moment for a ‘No Kings’ rally in London

The phrase “No Kings” has a different meaning in Britain, so Trump’s opponents had to alter their language a bit when they staged a demonstration Saturday outside the U.S. Embassy in London, one of dozens planned in cities across Europe.

Organizers asked for signs reading “No Tyrants” and “No Clowns,” instead of “No Kings” and “No Crowns,” in deference to Britain’s constitutional monarch. Some riffed on the idea, with hand-lettered signs like “Elect a Clown, Get a Circus.’’

The timing was also a bit awkward — King Charles III was not the target, but this anti-Trump rally came on the same day Britain celebrated the monarch’s official birthday, with an annual parade known as “Trooping the Colour.”

Charles is barred from party politics, with all decisions made by the prime minister, his Cabinet and the elected House of Commons. By contrast, Trump’s opponents accuse him of ignoring the limits placed on his power by the U.S. Constitution.

‘Philadelphia: Rejecting Kings Since 1776’

That’s the message of a red-white-and-blue sign adorned with a Liberty Bell carried by 61-year-old Karen Van Trieste in Philadelphia.

The 61-year-old nurse, who drove up from Maryland this morning, says she grew up in Philadelphia and wanted to be with a large group of people showing her support.

“I just feel like we need to defend our Democracy,” Trieste said before listing a series of concerns, including the dismantling of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, harm to the LGBTQ and immigrant communities and the Trump administration’s practice of ruling by executive order.

Florida rally goers prepare to avoid any provocation — even jaywalking

About a thousand people gathered on the grounds of Florida’s old Capitol Saturday morning, where protestors chanted, “this is what community looks like” and carried signs with messages like “one nation under distress” and “dissent is patriotic.”

Organizers explicitly told the crowd in Tallahassee to avoid any conflicts with counter protestors, and to avoid disrupting traffic, taking care to not even jaywalk.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida law enforcement officials have warned of grave consequences for demonstrators who violate the law.

Organizers say another march will go to the gates of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, where DeSantis warned that the “line is very clear” and not to cross it.

Early marchers appear at flagship ‘No Kings’ rally in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is hosting the main “No Kings” march and rally. Organizers wanted to avoid the huge security presence in Washington, D.C., where this evening’s military parade coincides with Trump’s birthday.

Several hundred people have gathered in Love Park, despite intermittent rain. Organizers are handing out small American flags. Many people are carrying anti-Trump signs with messages including “fight oligarchy” and “deport the mini-Mussolinis” and “the wrong ice is melting” as they wait for the march to start.

A handful of people are wearing gas masks or balaclavas to cover their faces. One woman in a foam Statue of Liberty crown brought a speaker system and is leading a singalong, changing “young man” to “con man” as people sing on of Trump’s favorite tunes, “YMCA.”

One man in revolutionary-war era garb and a tri-corner hat is holding a sign that quotes Thomas Jefferson: “All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.”

White House says rain won’t halt the parade — but lightning could

Rain is forecast across the Washington region right around parade time, but Trump is looking forward to seeing the crowd.

Rain pounded the nation’s capital Friday night, and the National Weather Service says a flood watch is in effect for the area until 2 p.m. Saturday. Chances for more thunderstorms increase through Saturday afternoon and evening, and as much as three inches of rain could fall within an hour or two, forecasters said.

Trump remained positive Saturday morning in a Truth Social post: “OUR GREAT MILITARY PARADE IS ON, RAIN OR SHINE. REMEMBER, A RAINY DAY PERADE BRINGS GOOD LUCK. I’LL SEE YOU ALL IN D.C.”

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has said the parade will happen even if it rains, but that lightning could cause organizers to clear out the area for safety reasons.

DC’s Pennsylvania Avenue transforms into a vendor village

Vendors are taking advantage of the expected large expected crowds and setting up shop on Pennsylvania Ave. near secured zones for the Amy’s 250th birthday festival and parade.

Large snowplows are being used to block off vehicle traffic, allowing pedestrians to walk on the historic street and visit vendors selling art, souvenirs, clothes, jewelry and beverages. There’s also a wide variety of food options, from fan-favorite funnel cakes to lobster rolls.

Several small stages where musicians will provide live music are also spread out through the vending area.

Philadelphia’s top prosecutor warned federal agents against breaking state law

Many elected officials have urged protesters at the “No Kings” demonstrations to be peaceful, and warned that they will show no tolerance for violence, destruction or activities such as blocking roadways.

In Philadelphia, site of the flagship “No Kings” march and rally for Saturday’s nationwide demonstration, the city’s top prosecutor had a warning for federal agents as well.

“ICE agents going beyond their legal rights … killing, assaulting, illegally handling people in violation of the law, denying them their due process in a way that constitutes a crime under the laws of Pennsylvania, you will be prosecuted,” District Attorney Larry Krasner told a news conference Thursday.

Krasner is a leading progressive prosecutor whose police accountability efforts have made him a prominent campaign trail target in Pennsylvania for Trump and other Republicans.

AP-NORC Poll: Most say this parade is not a good use of money

A survey published this week finds that U.S. adults are more likely to approve than disapprove of Trump’s decision to hold the military parade — The AP-NORC poll found that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults “somewhat” or “strongly” approve of the parade, while about 3 in 10 “somewhat” or “strongly” disapprove.

But about 6 in 10 Americans surveyed said the parade is “not a good use” of government money — including the vast majority of people, 78%, who neither approve nor disapprove of the parade overall, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Officials have said the display of military force will cost tens of millions of taxpayer dollars.

Read more about the AP-NORC Poll on Trump’s military parade

Thousands join ‘No Kings’ rally in Atlanta

It’s a festive atmosphere in the shadow of the Georgia state capitol, where the American Civil Liberties Union is handing out blue wristbands to keep count of the crowd in Liberty Plaza. Organizers said the plaza already reached its capacity of 5,000 people.

Many of the “No Kings” demonstrators are carrying American flags. It’s a diverse crowd, mostly people in their 50s or older, and some families with children.

One woman is carrying a sign saying “when cruelty becomes normal, compassion looks radical.” Taylar W. — she didn’t want her full last name used — said “there’s just so much going on in this country that’s not OK, and if no one speaks up about it, who will?”

A schedule of parade day activities

• 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.: Army fitness competition
• 11 a.m.: Army Birthday Festival begins, featuring meet-and-greets with soldiers, Army astronauts and Medal of Honor recipients, as well as military demonstrations
• 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: NFL Skills & Drills interactive event with NFL players
• 1 p.m.-2 p.m.: Livestream workout from the International Space Station with astronaut and Army Col. Anne McClain
• 4:15 p.m.-4:58 p.m.: Official ceremony and cake-cutting
• 6:30 p.m.: Army birthday parade
• 8 p.m. or following the parade: Enlistment ceremony, concert on the Ellipse and fireworks display

Dozens from a veterans group arrested outside US Capitol

A day ahead of the military parade in Washington, about 60 veterans and family members were arrested on Friday after authorities said they crossed a police line.

Organizers with Veterans for Peace said they were planning to hold a sit-in at the U.S. Capitol in protest of the presence of military members on the nation’s streets. That includes for Saturday’s military parade, as well as National Guard and active-duty Marines in Los Angeles.

Police say participants were arrested after they crossed a perimeter of bike racks intended to keep them away from the U.S. Capitol.

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