USA — A wave of coordinated protests under the banner “No Kings” erupted in several major U.S. cities over the weekend, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army on Flag Day, June 14. Organized as a “nationwide day of defiance,” the protests quickly escalated into violence in Portland, Oregon, Los Angeles, and Chicago, with dozens of arrests, multiple injuries, and police deployments of tear gas and smoke grenades.
The “No Kings” movement, according to its official statement, is a
response to what organizers describe as “rising authoritarianism” in the
United States. The group’s website states:
“No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we're taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like.”
In reference to former President Donald Trump, they added:
“We're not gathering to feed his ego. We're building a movement that
leaves him behind.”
Portland Protest
Declared a Riot: Officers Injured, Multiple Arrests
In Portland, Oregon, the protests turned into a riot on Saturday
evening after demonstrators gathered near the U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) facility.
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
protestors “stormed an ICE facility after launching fireworks, hurling smoke
grenades, and throwing rocks at federal law enforcement.” Four federal
officers were reported injured.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., Portland Police declared the
demonstration a riot, after protesters formed a “shield wall” at
the facility’s main gate. The police issued warnings and used tear gas
and smoke munitions to disperse the crowd.
Later that night, the Rapid Response Team confirmed observing
multiple criminal offenses:
“We have observed criminal activity, including assault and criminal
mischief, and will be making targeted arrests.”
Three people were arrested and charged
with:
- Attempted assault of a public
safety officer
- First-degree criminal mischief
- Harassment
- Interfering with a peace officer
- First-degree theft
Los Angeles
Protests Escalate: 35 Arrested, Officers Injured
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported 35 arrests
following Saturday’s “No Kings” demonstrations in downtown L.A., many of which
resulted from failure to disperse, resisting arrest, and obstructing
officers.
The protest turned violent after 4 p.m. when demonstrators began throwing
rocks and bottles at officers from a pedestrian bridge.
“They had high ground on a pedestrian overcrossing bridge and began
throwing projectiles at our officers,” said LAPD Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides.
Since June 7, protests in L.A. have continued, with nearly 600
total arrests and over a dozen officers injured.
Chicago Holds
Largest “No Kings” Protest: 15,000 Marchers, 1 Arrest
Chicago saw one of the largest gatherings, with nearly 15,000 protesters
marching peacefully under heavy police surveillance. The event, however, did
lead to at least one arrest when a demonstrator allegedly struck a
police officer, though no serious injury was reported.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling praised the city's handling of the
protest:
“The officers did a spectacular job making sure that they kept the
protests safe and they kept the city safe. Nothing got out of control.”
Over 500 officers were on duty during the event, ensuring no
escalation occurred.
🇺🇸 Flag Day, Trump’s
Birthday, and the U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary
The timing of the protests was highly symbolic, coinciding with:
- Flag Day (June 14)
- Donald Trump’s 79th birthday
- The 250th anniversary of the
U.S. Army
Trump marked the day with official White House statements, public
messages on social media, and a celebratory military parade. Some conservative
commentators called the “No Kings” protests “disrespectful” and “deliberate
attempts to overshadow a patriotic day.”
Faith-based groups and Christian commentators have responded with concern
over the increasing division and hostility across the nation.
Christian Response:
Navigating Protest and Peace
The Christian community remains divided on how to interpret and engage
with protest movements like “No Kings.” While some Christians support peaceful
demonstrations against perceived injustice, many leaders stress the importance
of civility, truth, and non-violence.
Pastor and author Dr. Marcus Bell commented:
“Christians must never promote violence, regardless of political
disagreement. We are called to be peacemakers, not chaos makers.”
“We can reject tyranny without hating our neighbor, and we can protest injustice without rejecting God-ordained order.
What Is the “No Kings” Movement?
The “No Kings” protest movement brands itself as a grassroots
campaign that resists perceived authoritarianism and promotes “true
democracy.” While some organizers are aligned with left-leaning activism, the
group insists its goal is to reject cults of personality and centralized
power, regardless of political party.
However, critics argue that the movement has attracted anarchist groups, anti-police factions, and agitators, especially in cities like Portland and L.A.
As America approaches another election season and battles over national
identity continue, the “No Kings” protests reveal growing unrest across
ideological lines. Christians are called to stand firm in truth, justice,
and grace, resisting the temptation to become part of the violence
while still raising a voice for righteousness.
May we remain prayerful and vigilant, remembering the words of Christ:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
– Matthew 5:9
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