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President Trump’s military parade is slated to kick off shortly in Washington as No Kings rallies are still underway across the country.
Tens of thousands of people have hit the streets nationwide to protest the president and his agenda as he hosts the 250th anniversary of the Army on Saturday, which also happens to be his 79th birthday.
Trump, ahead of Saturday’s celebration, warned protesters they would be met with “a very big force” if they demonstrate at the event near the National Mall. The parade is expected to begin at 6 p.m. local time.
Officials expect thousands to attend Saturday’s festivities.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman (D) was assassinated in what Gov. Tim Walz (D) described as a “politically motivated” attack. All No Kings protests in the state were canceled due to safety concerns.
Trump on Saturday condemned the “horrific violence,” stating federal officials are investigating the shooting, which killed Hortman’s husband and also left another state lawmaker and his wife in critical condition.
Law enforcement have identified the suspect as Vance Boulter, a 57-year-old Minnesota man.
This all comes as the Trump administration has its attention focused on unrest in the Middle East. The president and top defense officials are closely monitoring the situation after Israel launched a series of attacks on Iran late Thursday.
Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday and expressed his desire to resume nuclear talks with Iran.
Follow along for the latest updates in Washington, across the country and abroad below.
