“No Kings” Protests Across The United States of America

English Level : B2

-Vocabulary-

Democracy (n.) - Government system where people choose leaders

Example: Protesters want to protect American democracy.

Curfew (n.) - Time when people must stay indoors

Example: Los Angeles started an 8 p.m. curfew.

Immigration (n.) - Moving to live in another country

Example: People protested against strict immigration rules.

Patriotism (n.) - Love for one's country

Example: Many showed patriotism with American flags.

Organizers (n.) - People who plan events

Example: Organizers canceled Minnesota rallies for safety.

Arrested (v.) - Taken by police for breaking laws

Example: Police arrested eleven people in Pittsburgh and Atlanta.

Demonstrators (n.) - People who join public protests

Example: Most demonstrators protested peacefully.

-Article-

On Saturday, a day before Father’s Day in the US, thousands of Americans joined protests across the country. People gathered in big cities like New York and small towns too. They believe President Trump is taking too much power. Their main message was "No Kings." Demonstrators want to protect American democracy.

About 2,000 protest events happened in all 50 states. People are angry about three main things: strict immigration rules, government spending cuts, and a military parade in Washington. This parade celebrated President Trump's 79th birthday. Many protesters carried American flags to show their patriotism.

In Los Angeles, police and protesters clashed violently. Officials ordered an 8 p.m. curfew for safety. Police used tear gas and hit people with batons from horses. This happened because some protesters threw dangerous objects like rocks and fireworks at officers. In total, it is estimated that 100,000 attended local demonstrations across various groups and organizations.

Most demonstrations remained calm and positive. In Houston, protesters gave flowers to police officers watching the crowds. In Whittier, California and Raleigh, North Carolina, people played lively music and danced together. These events felt more like community parties than protests.

Protesters in Minnesota honored State Representative Melissa Hortman. She was killed by someone pretending to be a police officer. Because of this danger, organizers canceled other rallies in the state. Police are still searching for the attacker who might target more protests.

After official protests ended, some people refused to leave. In Charlotte, police sprayed chemicals at crowds trying to pass police lines. Officers arrested three people at an immigration protest in Pittsburgh and eight more in Atlanta. Police also used pepper spray against protesters in Austin, Texas.

In Ohio, a man wearing a Trump shirt fought with protesters and was arrested. In Virginia, a 21-year-old man drove his car into a crowd leaving a demonstration. One person was hit by the car but not seriously hurt. Police arrested the driver immediately.

“Today, across red states and blue, rural towns and major cities, Americans stood in peaceful unity and made it clear: we don’t do kings,” the No Kings Coalition said in a statement.

-Discussion-

Were you surprised to learn about the No Kings Protest in the US?

Have there been any similar protests or stories in your own region?

Have you ever seen or attended a protest before? 

Who would you say is the most politically active person you know?

Do you think these protests will lead to significant change in the US?

This article is based on information from external News Sources and is intended for language learning purposes.