Cities raise for large crowds during anti-Trump “King-free” demonstrations across the United States

Philadelphia (AP) – Cities of all sizes are preparing for a massive demonstration with President Donald Trump in the U.S. on Saturday as officials urged peace, the National Guard to mobilize, Trump participated in a military parade in Washington to mark the 250th anniversary of the Army.

Plans for the flagship “No Kings” March and rally in Philadelphia, but no events are planned in Washington, D.C., and the military parade will be held on Trump's birthday

Demonstrations are getting more fuel from protests across the country against federal immigration law enforcement attacks and Trump’s orders to the National Guard and Marine Corps, where protesters blocked the highway and burned cars.

Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and lightning grenades, while officials enforced a curfew in Los Angeles, with Democratic governor calling Trump’s guard deployment a “shocking abuse of power” and “showing the Trump administration distrusts local law enforcement.”

The governor and city officials vowed to protect the right to protest, and showed no tolerance for violence.

Republican governors in Virginia, Texas, Nebraska and Missouri are mobilizing the National Guard to help law enforcement manage demonstrations.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin told reporters Friday that there will be “zero tolerance” for violence, damage or damage to traffic and “if you violate the law, you will be arrested.”

In Missouri, Gov. Mike Kehoe sent a similar message, vowing to take a positive attitude rather than “wait for chaos to follow.”

The Nebraska governor also signed an emergency declaration Friday to activate his state’s National Guard, a step his office calls “a precautionary measure for the recent civil unrest in the country.”

Organizers say a parade will head to the gates of Trump’s Margrago resort in Florida, with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis warning protesters that “the line is clear” rather than crossing.

The governor also urged calm down.

On social media, Democratic Washington Governor Bob Ferguson called for peaceful protests over the weekend to ensure Trump does not send troops to the state.

“Donald Trump hopes to be able to say we can't handle our own public safety in Washington state,” Ferguson said.

In a statement Friday, Democrat Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs urged “protesters to keep peace and calm when exercising their First Amendment rights to express their voices.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said his administration and state police are working with police in Philadelphia, and organizers estimate it is a crowd of nearly 100,000 people.

Philadelphia's top attorney, District Attorney Larry Krasner, warned that anyone who comes to Philadelphia who violates the law or immigration agents will face arrest. He cites civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. as a guide for demonstrators.

“If you're doing what Martin Luther King does, that's OK,” Krasner said in a news conference.

Some law enforcement agencies announced they are stepping up their efforts over the weekend. In California, state police will be in a “tactical alert” state, meaning all breaks for all officers are cancelled.

Why is it called “No King”?

The 50501 movement curated the “King Without” theme to support democracy and their so-called Trump administration's dictatorship. The name 50501 represents 50 states, 50 protests, and a movement.

Protests earlier this year condemned Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Protesters called for “deprived” to compare his actions to the king rather than a democratically elected president.

Why did they protest on Saturday?

The organizers' statement said that the rebellion day of Kings-free Day has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaires prioritize politics and militarization of the country's democracy.

Organizers intend to celebrate the protests against the 250th anniversary celebrations – Trump has been picky, including a military parade that is estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million, while the military expects to attract as many as 200,000 people.

The event will include hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft as well as thousands of soldiers. It happened to be Trump's 79th birthday and flag day.

“The flag does not belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,” the “No King” website said. “On June 14th, we had his appearance everywhere – saying there was no throne, no crown, no king.”

What were planned in the “No King” protest?

Protests at nearly 2,000 locations across the country were held, from city blocks to towns, from court steps to community parks, organizers said.

Organizers said on Wednesday the demonstrations were expected to include speeches and parades. The organization said the core principle behind all the “King-free” incidents is a commitment to non-violent action and hopes that participants will try to reduce any confrontation.

The website said that no weapon of any kind should be carried out.

How many people are expected to participate?

Organizers say the rebellion of Kings Day will be the biggest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to the office. Organizers said they were preparing millions of people to enter the streets of all 50 states and the Commonwealth.