'No Kings' Protests Spark Violence in Major Cities
A series of protests took place over the weekend, particularly in defiance of President Donald Trump, who celebrated the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary as well as his 79th birthday. As reported by The Christian Post, the protest took place on June 14, Flag Day, in Portland, Oregon, Los Angeles, and Chicago, under the organization "No Kings."
"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," the group stated on its website.
Regarding Trump, the organization added, "We're not gathering to feed his ego. We're building a movement that leaves him behind."
At least 4 officers in Portland, Oregon, were injured following a clash with rioters on Saturday outside the city's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the rioters "stormed an ICE facility after launching fireworks, hurling smoke grenades, and throwing rocks at federal law enforcement."
Violent rioters in Portland, OR stormed an ICE facility after launching fireworks, hurling smoke grenades, and throwing rocks at federal law enforcement.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 15, 2025
Our heroic law enforcement secured the facility. Four officers were injured.
Secretary Noem’s message to the rioters is… pic.twitter.com/9bXdgz6c8P
Meanwhile, police dispersed the crowd with smoke and tear gas. The demonstration was officially declared a riot at around 6:30 p.m. after demonstrators formed a "shield wall" near the ICE facility's main gates around 5 p.m., hours after a "No Kings" protest occurred in the city earlier that day.
This is Portland Police. To those near S Moody and S Bancroft, this has been declared a riot. The area near S Moody and S Bancroft is now closed. All persons must immediately leave the area by traveling to the north. (more)
— PPB Event Messages (@PPBAlerts) June 15, 2025
Later that evening, the Portland Police's Rapid Response Team announced it had "observed criminal activity, including assault and criminal mischief, and will be making targeted arrests."
"Do not interfere with Police action," the alert stated. "Failure to adhere to this order may subject you to citation or arrest."
At least three people were arrested in relation to the protest outside the ICE facility. They were charged with attempted assault of a public safety officer, first-degree criminal mischief, harassment, interfering with a peace officer, and first-degree theft.
"No Kings" protests also took place in Los Angeles on Saturday, where the LAPD arrested 35 individuals and faced charges including failure to disperse, resisting arrest, and obstructing or delaying a police officer. The police department added that three officers were injured in relation to the protests, which turned violent after 4 p.m. when demonstrators began throwing objects at officers.
"They had high ground on a pedestrian overcrossing bridge and began throwing rocks and bottles and projectiles at our officers," LAPD Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides said about the rioters.
Protests in Los Angeles have been ongoing since earlier this month, with around a dozen officers being wounded and at least nearly 600 arrests related to protest activity since June 7.
About 15,000 people attended a "No Kings" protest in Chicago, which was under the watch of 500 police officers. Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling noted that at least one person was arrested for striking a police officer, who did not suffer any injury.
"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," Snelling said.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/ERIN BLEWETT/Contributor
Originally published June 17, 2025.
