In Los Angeles, tensions are rising due to widespread protests happening throughout the US against Donald Trump and his military parade commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary.
Although the parade was specifically requested by President Trump, protests, led by a group known as “No Kings,” began prior to the event in major cities like Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Nashville.
Crowds of demonstrators flooded the streets and public areas to denounce the Republican president as a dictator or someone aspiring to be a monarch, casting a shadow over the festivities for the 250th anniversary of the US Army – which also coincided with Trump’s birthday.
A larger-than-life puppet of Trump was wheeled through the crowd, a caricature of the president wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet.
Other protesters waved pride flags and hoisted signs, some with pointed messages such as “I prefer crushed ICE,” referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Other messages were: “The invasion was HERE Jan. 6th, NOT in L.A.” and “Flip me off if you’re a FASCIST.”
With rain expected, there was a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms.
The Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade.
The parade is set to begin at 8.30 Sunday Australian time, but parts of it — including the horse-drawn caissons and other units — start at the Pentagon, head over a bridge and meet up with some of the heavier tanks and equipment. Officials did not want the more-than-60-ton M1A1 Abrams tanks and Stryker vehicles crossing the bridge.
Timed down to the minute, the march will be divided into sections by history — with equipment and troops in full dress from each period.
At the end of the parade, Trump will swear in 250 new or reenlisting troops, and the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team will jump onto the Mall. That will be followed by a concert and fireworks.
