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The progressive “No Kings” protests — coinciding with Flag Day, the Army’s 250th anniversary, and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday — erupted into multiple violent incidents June 14 as over 5 million demonstrators flooded thousands of cities.
In Portland, Oregon, rioters stormed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, shattering glass and injuring at least four federal officers.
According to Police Chief Bob Day, three individuals were arrested for assault, property destruction, and criminal threats. One suspect was taken into custody for hurling a rock at the building, while another was arrested for collecting traffic control devices. Police say officers attempting to de-escalate the crowd were pepper-sprayed.
“The arrests were strictly focused on criminal actions, and not constitutionally protected free speech,” the Portland Police Department said in a press release. “Individuals who engaged in violent activity or property destruction will be investigated and are subject to arrest and prosecution.”
On June 14, violence also erupted in Los Angeles — now considered the epicenter of anti-ICE violence — as rioters pelted officers with “rocks, bricks, bottles and other objects,” according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Hours later, police reported that “commercial grade fireworks” were being hurled at officers, even after dispersal orders were issued.
In response to the growing unrest, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles called for a “Day of Prayer for Peace and Unity” on June 11.
In Salt Lake City, a bystander was fatally shot during a protest after a demonstrator, Arturo Gamboa, allegedly threatened the crowd with a rifle he had been carrying in his backpack. A self-identified protest “peacekeeper” opened fire, injuring Gamboa and unintentionally killing Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, who was 39.
According to the X account Libs of TikTok, which has over 4 million followers, Gamboa had previously voiced support for Black Lives Matter and opposition to President Trump.
Although Gamboa did not shoot, according to the investigation, police arrested him on a murder charge, accusing him of creating the dangerous situation that led to Ah Loo’s death.
“Detectives have developed probable cause that Gamboa acted under circumstances that showed a depraved indifference to human life, knowingly engaged in conduct that created a grave risk of death and ultimately caused the death of an innocent community member,” the Salt Lake City Police Department said in a statement.
In Culpepper, Virginia, police arrested 21-year-old Joseph Checklick Jr., for reckless driving after he intentionally drove into a crowd of protesters, injuring at least one person.
Meanwhile, in Palm Springs, California, Edward Miranda, 28, was arrested ahead of a scheduled protest after he allegedly threatened to carry out a mass shooting. The FBI and local authorities traced the online threat to Miranda’s residence, where he was taken into custody before any violence occurred.
The protests also sparked political fallout in North Carolina, where Democratic Rep. Julie von Haefen came under fire after posting a video from the Raleigh protest featuring a graphic photo that included an image of a guillotine and a prop resembling a decapitated Trump.
The now-deleted post that celebrated the protest was widely circulated online, drawing millions of views.
Though von Heafen later issued a statement condemning political violence, state House Speaker Destin Hall, a Republican, called her actions “disgraceful” in a June 15 X post. The North Carolina GOP has called for her resignation.
In stark contrast, the Washington, D.C., military parade marking the Army’s 250th anniversary proceeded peacefully. The day-long celebration featured fireworks, patriotic performances, and a formal procession honoring US service members.