A nationwide series of protests branded “No Kings Day” is expected to unfold across more than 800 cities and towns in the United States Saturday.
The demonstrations—organized to counter a planned military parade in Washington, D.C. celebrating President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army—have drawn concern from both public safety officials and ordinary Americans wary of unrest.
While organizers have promoted the events as peaceful, many remember how similarly framed protests in recent years spiraled into violence.
Violence in Los Angeles – which began as a peaceful rally that devolved into chaos, with storefronts left vandalized, American flags burned, and police officers injured – looms large ahead of the planned protests.
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Retired police sergeant and law enforcement consultant Matthew Fagiana told Fox News Digital that police across the country are on high alert, with plans in motion to protect residents, property, and public order.
“Certainly, with everything going on across the country right now, all agencies are watching,” Fagiana said. “They’re focused on their own intelligence, preparing to prevent the kind of violent stuff that we’ve seen in places like L.A. from happening again.”
Fagiana said law enforcement is operating on two priorities: ensuring safety and monitoring intelligence.
“Safety is people first—protesters, bystanders, law enforcement—and obviously, property. Our communities expect us to protect their homes, their businesses, and their livelihoods,” he said. “The good news is that law enforcement in 2025 shares intel nationwide. We’re watching this closely.”
Fagiana urged the public to stay informed and situationally aware.
“Put that phone up. Be looking, be listening. Follow your local law enforcement on social media. They’re posting where protests are scheduled and how to avoid them,” he advised.
He also encouraged parents to talk to their kids, especially teens who may be traveling alone through public areas, about safety.
He added that people shouldn’t mistake a strong law enforcement presence for provocation.
“Presence doesn’t mean pressure,” he said. “We’re there to deter crime, deter violence, and be visible for the people who expect us to keep their neighborhoods safe.”
Fagiana stressed that law enforcement officers bracing for civil unrest are not against free speech but committed to stopping destruction.
“Law enforcement supports peaceful protest—it’s a cornerstone of our democracy,” said Fagiana. “But we do not support violence, attacks on officers, or damage to communities.”
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In the wake of previous protests that led to significant destruction and inflamed distrust, Fagiana emphasized that clear communication between law enforcement and residents matters.
“If you’re at a protest and have doubts or questions, go talk to a police officer. Don’t speculate but ask. Most officers are there to help and will tell you what’s going on,” he said.
Organizers of the “No Kings” movement insist that this weekend’s events will remain peaceful. Public Citizen Co-President Lisa Gilbert told Fox News Digital that the protests are intended to be “peaceful, patriotic and focused on what regular Americans want and need.”
“The Trump administration is weaponizing our military domestically as a political tool. They are escalating tensions rather than resolving them, and our events will not play into their need for more chaos,” she said.
“Instead of allowing Trump’s bombastic military parade to be the center of gravity, we hope to make peaceful action everywhere else the story this Saturday. People will be coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.”
Gilbert also emphasized that organizers have trained in de-escalation and are coordinating closely with local partners to keep events safe and orderly.
Trump has warned that potential rioters in Washington, D.C., who target the military parade will face “heavy force.”
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“People that want to protest will be met with big force,” Trump said Tuesday. “But this is people that hate our country. They will be met with heavy force.”
