ST. PAUL, Minnesota: Protesting against the war in Iran and President Donald Trump's actions in Iran, people held "No Kings" rallies across the U.S. over the weekend.
Minnesota took center stage, with its flagship event on the Capitol lawn in St. Paul drawing Bruce Springsteen as its headliner. He and other speakers praised the state's people for taking to the streets over the winter in opposition to a surge of U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement agents.
Bruce Springsteen performed a song called "Streets of Minneapolis," which he wrote after federal agents killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti. He expressed sadness over their deaths but said Minnesota's standing up to immigration authorities gave hope to the rest of the country.
People joined protests across the U.S., from big cities like New York City to small towns like Driggs. Organizers said earlier "No Kings" rallies had drawn millions, and they expected around nine million people this time, though that number wasn't confirmed.
More than 3,100 protest events were held across all 50 states. Most protests were peaceful, but some arrests happened.
In Los Angeles, police used tear gas near a detention center and arrested people who refused to leave. Earlier, the atmosphere had been calm, with music and dancing.
In Denver, police declared an unlawful gathering after some protesters blocked a road and refused to move. Some protesters threw smoke canisters back at officers, and at least nine people were arrested.
The White House criticized the protests, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson saying they were backed by left-wing groups and had little real public support. The National Republican Congressional Committee also strongly criticized the rallies.
Protesters were upset about several issues, including immigration policies under Donald Trump, the war in Iran, and changes to transgender rights. Some speakers also criticized the influence of billionaires.
In Washington, hundreds marched past the Lincoln Memorial to the National Mall carrying protest signs. About 40,000 people marched in San Diego.
In New York City, civil rights leader Donna Lieberman said Trump and his supporters want to scare people away from protesting.
In Topeka, some protesters wore costumes and carried creative signs. One protester said the rallies made her feel hopeful despite her concerns about the government.
Organizers said many participants came from smaller towns and conservative states such as Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah, as well as from key states such as Pennsylvania and Georgia. The Minnesota rally was considered the main national event.
Before the performance, actor Robert De Niro appeared in a video saying he felt depressed about Trump but happier seeing millions protest.
Other well-known figures at the event included singer Joan Baez, actor Jane Fonda, and Senator Bernie Sanders, as well as many activists and leaders.
