‘No Kings’ Protests Held In Loudoun County: What To Know

LEESBURG, VA — Protesters in Loudoun County and across the country took to the streets Saturday in “No Kings” rallies nationwide to coincide with a military parade commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary that falls on President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. June 14 is also Flag Day.

“No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance,” according to organizers. “From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like.”

Indivisible NOVA West, part of a progressive network critical of Trump, hosted a protest at the courthouse in Leesburg from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on June 14. According to the group, speakers at the event included Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall (D-at large), Supervisor Juli Briskman (D-Algonkian), Vice Chair Mike Turner (D-Ashburn), Loudoun County Democratic Committee chair Ryan Ruzic, former Army prosecutor and former NBC/MSNBC news analyst Glenn Kirshner and others. Before the event, organizers estimated it was at capacity with about 1,600 attendees.

Among the attendees were residents with their pets. Attendee Barbara Boyle's dog Sally, a Bernedoodle, drew plenty of attention at the rally.

Other No Kings events near Loudoun County included:

• No Kings "Morning Visibility Event: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 14, private address in Reston, VA
• NO KINGS VA: Herndon-Reston Indivisible Rally and Street Visibility Event: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on June 14 (at capacity)
• No Kings Berryville: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 14, private address in Berryville, VA
• No Kings Rally in Fair Lakes: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 14, Fair Lakes Circle & Fair Lakes Parkway, Fairfax, VA

Organizers said a core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolence.

“We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events,” according to the website. “Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.”

More than 100 pro-democracy advocacy groups have signed on in support of No Kings. There won’t be a No Kings event in Washington, D.C., where the military parade and festivities are estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million.

As many as 200,000 people were expected to attend the celebration, which features the parade, fireworks, NFL players, fitness competitions and displays across the National Mall.

The parade itself included 28 M1 Abrams main battle tanks weighing more than 60 tons apiece, 28 tracked Bradley Fighting Vehicles, 28 wheeled Stryker combat vehicles, four tracked M-109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers and other towed artillery. The Army said it was planning protective asphalt work and will put new rubber padding on the tanks’ metal tracks to try to minimize street damage.

More than 6,700 soldiers traveled from bases around the country to participate in the parade and festival. For each of the nation’s major conflicts, starting with the Revolutionary War. For each conflict, 60 soldiers wore period uniforms supplied by an event company representing that war and be followed by 400 soldiers from their same base in present-day uniforms. BN

At the end of the parade, the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team was planned to jump over the White House, landing near Trump to present him with a folded flag, and 250 new recruits or reenlisting service members will be sworn into the Army by Trump.

More than 50 helicopters and aircraft representing different wars flew over the city — pairing up with the units on the ground as they pass the president.

Spending has become a flashpoint since it comes at a time when the Trump administration is slashing funding for personnel and programs across the federal government, including the Defense Department.

In testimony before the House Armed Services Committee last week, Army leaders defended the spending for the service branch’s 250th birthday celebration, saying it will boost recruitment. Some members of Congress argued that the money could be better spent on troops’ barracks or other priorities.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.