Millions protest nationwide during military parade in D.C.

President Donald Trump viewed a military parade celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary this evening from the Ellipse. He presided over a reenlistment ceremony at the conclusion of the parade. He delivered a 10-minute speech, and then Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” The event was also planned to feature tank brigades, paratrooper demonstrations, and fireworks. Today is Trump’s 79th birthday.

What’s going on around the country? Millions of people are marching in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and hundreds of cities as part of a protest movement called “No Kings.” The Los Angeles Police Department said that protesters threw rocks, bricks, bottles, and other objects at officers. The LAPD issued a dispersal order around 4:15 p.m. Shortly after, horse brigades moved in while officers fired tear gas, flashbangs, and rubber bullets at the crowds.

Crowds were gathered at the Los Angeles City Hall for most of the day. According to a WORLD reporter on the scene, thousands attended. Demonstrators chanted “ICE out of L.A.” Just after 5 p.m. local time, an emergency alert was sent out declaring anyone in the area part of an unlawful assembly. Police continued to fire tear gas and pepper balls. Protesters waved Mexican and upside-down American flags, and some threw commercial-grade fireworks at the police, according to an LAPD statement. Although the National Guard and the U.S. Marines have mobilized to the area, the officers on the scene appeared to be LAPD.

Protesters have remained peaceful, but there have been threats of violence against them. Demonstrations were canceled in northeastern Minneapolis while a manhunt is underway for the gunman responsible for attacks on two state Democratic lawmakers. The Texas Department of Public Safety closed the state Capitol, where a No Kings protest was scheduled, after reporting credible threats against Democratic lawmakers scheduled to attend. In Culpeper, Va., 21-year-old Joseph R. Checklick Jr. intentionally drove into crowds of demonstrators leaving a protest. According to police, one person was struck, but no injuries have been reported. Checklick has been charged with reckless driving and is being held without bond.

Editor’s note: WORLD has updated this report from its initial posting.