Preparations for the “No King” protest are underway across the US
The city is preparing for a “no king” protest at around 2,000 locations where US organizers expect a massive crowd.
All coordinated “king” protests in Minnesota were cancelled after two state legislators and their spouses were shot dead in a target attack on Saturday.
A gunman pretending to be a police officer shot and killed 55-year-old state Sen. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark at his Brooklyn Park home, officials said. In the neighbouring city of Shamplin, the suspect also shot state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.
Law enforcement officials said a major search is currently underway for the suspect who fled on foot after police fired fire and abandoned the vehicle. Officers found a “manifesto” that lists the names of other lawmakers and officials.
The movement, which organizes around 1,800 rallies, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, DC, has decided to immediately cancel all events in the state due to a wealth of attention. In a statement, the group said it was complying with Minnesota patrols and guidance from Gov. Tim Waltz.
“We are doing this according to local and state guidance given that the suspect is still impersonating a police officer,” Wang said in a statement. “Our hearts lie in the victims, their families and the communities that are shaken by this violence.”
The group said it was working with hosts, attendees and officials to ensure that all other kings of the United States will be “promoted peacefully and safely.”
Why is there a protest?
The “King” was organized to regain American flag and American patriotism from the Republicans and to condemn what organizers have called Trump’s recent “authoritarian” actions.
“250 years ago, the Continental Army was formed to fight the king, and then the Americans come out and say, “No, wait, this is not something America represents. We gathered strength in our own hands and never came after the pillars of political democracy.”
Approximately 2,000 protests and rallies are planned nationwide, with major protests planned in New York City, Florida, Philadelphia and California.
Nothing is planned, especially in DC, where Trump’s day festival celebrates the 250th anniversary of the US military.
Levin explained that organizers opted out of the protest in Washington and avoided the story of them being anti-veterans. He added that the goal is “to make this about the Americans and the democracy we actually defend.”