Nationwide "No Kings" Protests Erupt Against Trump, Marked by Peaceful Marches and Violent Incidents

On June 15th, 2025, the United States witnessed a significant display of public dissent as hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in coordinated "No Kings" marches, protesting President Trump and his policies. The protests, largely peaceful, unfolded across the nation, from the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the heart of Atlanta and the vibrant city of Chicago. However, the peaceful nature of the demonstrations was marred by an incident in Los Angeles where police resorted to using batons and tear gas to disperse crowds. One protester stated, "It was terrifying; we were peacefully protesting, and suddenly, tear gas filled the air." In contrast, the marches in Atlanta and Chicago remained largely peaceful, with participants holding signs and chanting slogans against the current administration. Adding a surprising twist, the marches coincided with President Trump's controversial military parade in Washington D.C., creating a stark visual contrast between the expressions of dissent and the display of military might. In a separate incident, 70 miles outside of Washington D.C., in Culpeper, Virginia, police arrested a man who allegedly drove an SUV into a crowd of protesters, injuring at least one person. Adding a touch of unexpected celebrity engagement, Hollywood stars such as Mark Ruffalo, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Glenn Close lent their support to the cause, marching alongside the protesters. This event was billed as a "national day of peaceful protest." The large-scale nature of the protests, coupled with the contrasting incidents and celebrity involvement, underscores the deep divisions within the nation.