BREAKING NEWS-No Kings Day Update

What Started as Protest…

Today marks No Kings Day, a decentralized uprising in defense of democracy across all 50 U.S. states. From the streets of NYC to college campuses in California, organizers and citizens took to the streets with one unified message:
“We didn’t break from monarchy to install a tyrant in a suit.”

But what began as peaceful, powerful protest took a dark turn early this morning in Minnesota, where an armed man impersonating a police officer launched a politically motivated attack that left two dead and two more critically injured.

Political Assassination in Minnesota

• Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, a former Speaker of the House and leading Democrat, was shot and killed alongside her husband Mark Hortman at their Brooklyn Park home in the early morning hours.

• State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman were critically wounded in a separate attack at their Champlin residence. Both underwent surgery and are expected to survive.

• The shooter, Vance Luther Boelter, 57, posed as law enforcement—using a fake police uniform, flashing lights, and a modified SUV to enter both homes.

• Authorities found a manifesto, “No Kings” flyers, and a target list of other public officials in his vehicle. The FBI is now involved.

• Minnesota’s Governor called the act a "politically motivated assassination" and ordered all No Kings protests in the state immediately canceled.

What the Manifesto Contained

• Listed nearly 70 targets, including state lawmakers, abortion‑rights advocates, and medical providers  .

• Included both Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman as specific targets alongside other political figures—such as Gov. Tim Walz, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and additional Minnesota and out‑of‑state legislators  .

• Also featured “No Kings” flyers and documents, referencing today’s anti‑Trump protests, signaling a connection between his actions and the movement  .

• Contained a political grievance narrative, with writings that hinted at anti‑government ideology and opposition to abortion access

The Protest Continues Elsewhere

While Minnesota reels, the rest of the country is pushing forward:

National Overview

• Over 2,000 protests are being held under the banner of “No Kings” or the 50501 movement—short for 50 protests, 50 states, 1 mission.

• Protests are meant to counteract Trump’s $45 billion military parade, authoritarian rhetoric, and moves like expanded domestic troop deployment and immigrant crackdowns.

Highlights by City

New York City

• Bryant Park, Columbia University, and boroughs are hosting 75,000+.

• NYPD presence is heavy but peaceful.

Philadelphia

• Major union-backed protest with speakers from AFT and local civil rights groups.

Midland, TX

• 200–400 expected; full cooperation with law enforcement.

Florida

• Brevard County Sheriff made headlines warning protestors could be left “graveyard dead” if things turn violent.

Why “No Kings”?

Organizers say this isn’t about left or right. It’s about power.

• From calls to execute generals, to ICE crackdowns, to a domestic military parade on Trump’s birthday—critics say the signs of authoritarianism are undeniable.

• June 14 is also Flag Day and Trump’s 79th birthday—and today’s protest is a direct challenge to the idea of “replacing democracy with dynasty.”

Safety and Surveillance

• U.S. Marines have already detained civilians ahead of protests in L.A.

• DHS and FBI are monitoring activity in all major protest zones