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SCMP Reporters

This live blog has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Get faster notifications on the latest updates by downloading our app.
For the first time in more than three decades, the United States has held a major military parade in the nation’s capital – fulfilling a long-standing desire of US President Donald Trump on a day that was marred by a political assassination.
Echoing displays more typically seen in countries including China, France and Russia, the parade in Washington on Saturday was already expected to showcase the nation’s political divisions. It proceeds on the same day as mass protests around the US, under the theme of “No Kings”, reflecting outrage against numerous actions the president has been taking.
Follow developments live here, with details of the military equipment on display, images and highlights from Post correspondents in Washington and New York City as well as reports from around the US.


More from our coverage:
- Political assassination shocks US ahead of Trump military parade set for Washington
Reporting by Bochen Han, Khushboo Razdan, Ziwen Zhao, Kawala Xie, Sylvie Zhuang, William Zheng and Robert Delaney


Trump’s US$10 billion BBC defamation suit going to trial in 2027 in Florida

Hong Kong’s West Kowloon arts hub seeks US$1 billion in first bond sale to fund operations

Trump to end Minnesota immigration crackdown, border tsar says

China’s BYD and Geely bid for Nissan-Mercedes Mexico plant to dodge Trump tariffs

United States

Trump’s military parade ends, protest tensions in downtown Los Angeles – as it happened

A demonstrator runs through tear gas during a “No Kings” protest against US President Donald Trump’s policies and federal immigration sweeps, in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

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Post’s live blog is covering unusual show of American might amid demonstrations of outrage over president’s actions


Post’s live blog is covering unusual show of American might amid demonstrations of outrage over president’s actions.


Donald Trump

2025 Los Angeles protests

Protests around the world

Live

While the US regularly showcases its military hardware, major military parades are rare in the country. The last one took place in 1991 to celebrate the end of the first Gulf War.
Trump has wanted a military parade since his first term. In 2017, he attended France’s Bastille Day ceremony with French President Emmanuel Macron and afterwards was said to discuss holding a similar parade at home.

Aides reportedly diverted him, noting the potential cost and the fact that the US typically didn’t make a point of showcasing its military hardware. Later that year, during a state visit to China, Trump called a military parade there “magnificent”.
Saturday’s parade is meant to honour the US Army’s 250th anniversary, which also falls on Trump’s 79th birthday as well as the annually celebrated Flag Day.


34-year gap

US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll puts the cost of the parade at US$25 million to US$40 million, justifying it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fill up our recruiting pipeline with young Americans”.



Up to US$40 million

According to the US Army, 6,600 soldiers are expected to march, along with one dog, two mules, 34 horses, 50 aircraft and 150 vehicles. The Army has also said it expects up to 200,000 people to watch the parade along Constitution Avenue and participate in the day-long festival that it is hosting.

Ahead of the parade, long lines are forming near the entrance to the Army’s festival.


6,000 soldiers, 200K spectators

When asked about the “No Kings” protest Trump said he doesn’t “feel like [a] king” during a bill-signing ceremony on Thursday. “The king would have never had the California mint. He wouldn’t have to call up Mike Johnson and [John] Thune and say, fellows, you’ve got to pull this off”, referring to the current House and Senate leaders.



Trump’s response to ‘no kings’ label

Trump warned earlier this week that protesters would be met with force. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later said that “of course the president supports peaceful protests”.

Officials have said that thousands of law enforcement personnel will be deployed from across the country, though there are no “credible threats” to the event.


Trump’s warning against protesters

The US president will watch the procession from a viewing stand just south of the White House. According to the official White House schedule, the America-first president is set to take part in the military parade and celebrations at 6.30 pm Eastern daylight time.



Trump to view parade from White House stand

Senior members of Trump’s Republican Party plan to skip the festivities, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Majority Whip John Barrasso, House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and the chairs of the armed services committees in both chambers – Mike Rogers in the House and Roger Wicker in the Senate.



Senior Republicans stay away

According to people familiar with the matter, invitations were sent to envoys from some allied and partner countries, but no foreign leaders were invited. Additionally, envoys from several smaller countries did not receive invitations.



No foreign leader invited to the parade

“No Kings” rallies have been planned in over 2,000 cities and towns in all 50 states with millions expected to attend, according to organisers.
Supporting rallies under the same banner have also been planned outside of the US, including in Australia, Britain, Colombia, Italy, Malawi and Norway.




2,000+ protests

No official “No Kings” protest was planned for Washington, with organisers saying they want to take attention away from the parade.
Some DC residents told the Post they were glad that no protests were being held under that official banner due to Trump’s threats of using force.

But protesters still lined the streets from the city’s Logan Circle neighbourhood to the White House, some having travelled from as far away as Kentucky just to attend the protest.


No official ‘No Kings’ protest in Washington

A new AP-NORC poll held this month found that 60 per cent of Americans believe the parade is not a good use of funds, while 38 per cent say it is worth the cost.

“Forty per cent of Americans approve of Trump’s decision to hold the parade, while 29 per cent oppose it and 31 per cent are neutral.”


Poll shows more American against parade cost

The parade is officially under way in Washington. Thousands of troops, military vehicles, aircraft and even cavalry units are now moving through the American capital to mark 250 years of the US armed forces.

The day isn’t without controversy. Protests are happening across the country under the “No Kings” banner. But for now, the spotlight is on Washington as the US puts its military front and centre.


Parade kicks off in Washington as US celebrates 250 years of military might

Last week, the US Army announced it had exceeded its active-duty recruiting goal for fiscal year 2025, signing contracts with more than 61,000 future soldiers.
The milestone was reached four months before the end of the fiscal year and follows several years of the Army struggling to meet its recruitment targets.

This year’s total is nearly 10 per cent higher than the 55,000 recruits the Army reported signing last year.
“This achievement represents a significant turning point for the Army and indicates a renewed sense of patriotism and purpose among America’s youth,” the Army said in a June 3 statement.


US Army hiring up ahead of parade

At a day-long roadside rally in Chevy Chase, Maryland, just outside of Washington, “No Kings” protesters were largely met with honks of support from cars passing by.

Occasionally, however, they were met with some declarations of support for the US president.
“I love Trump,” a person in a car shouted to the protesters, while another gave them a rude gesture with his middle finger.



Protest reactions: supportive honks vs ‘I love Trump’

Paratroopers maneuver through the sky aiming to deliver an American flag to Trump on the White House ellipse.

Meanwhile, rain is in the forecast in Washington, so thunderstorms could still disrupt the parade, even though it began a few minutes early.


Paratroopers deliver a flag early as rain is forecast

Saturday’s parade was designated a National Special Security Event – a status reserved for events that draw large crowds and potential protests – similar to a state funeral or presidential inauguration. Such events trigger high-level coordination among Washington officials, with the Secret Service taking the lead.

Several apartment complexes in Washington issued safety advisories to residents ahead of scheduled protests and events in the city. Management teams are encouraging residents to stay informed through official channels, follow any curfews or safety advisories, and remain alert to updates from their building staff.
A message from the building management where a Post reporter lives stated that residents would be alerted in advance if nearby demonstrations were expected, along with any temporary changes to building access or operations.


‘National Special Security’

A B-25 Mitchell bomber, used against Japan during World War II, flies above the parade.


B-25 Mitchell

As the military parade rolls through Washington, one piece of history is turning heads: a restored M4 Sherman tank, clanking past the White House on its thick steel tracks.

Once the backbone of America’s armored forces in World War II, the Sherman is no longer a frontline machine.


WWII icon Sherman rolls again

Despite steady rain and below-average temperatures in Manhattan, New York City, “No Kings” demonstrators gathered at Bryant Park on Saturday afternoon.

The rally unfolded under umbrellas and raincoats as participants marched southwards at 5th Avenue, voicing opposition to Trump, the military parade, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s recent actions especially in Los Angeles, with signs reading “No Kings” and “Defend the Constitution”.
Dozens of police officers lined the edges of the protest area and nearby intersections. There was no visible engagement between police and demonstrators.
A 68-year-old participant surnamed Mansdorf told the Post that he found the military parade “disgraceful”. “The military I pay for… should defend my country, not oppress the people, not threaten or intimidate the voters.”

Holly, 77, said she believed the US was turning into a monarchy. “I grew up in a democracy, and I think we are turning into a monarchy,” she said, while holding a sign that read “Impeach Dim Don Un”, referring to her belief that Trump behaves like North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Addressing a shooting of Minnesota state lawmakers earlier in the day, Abby, a protester from Houston, Texas, said: “Our politicians…MAGAs [are] inciting violence and dividing the country further”.
Talking about the military parade, she said: this is a “complete waste of taxpayers’ money”.


‘No Kings’ protest in New York

The iconic Bell UH-1 Huey helicopter is flying overhead in Washington today. Introduced in 1959, the Huey played a crucial role during the Vietnam War as a troop transport, medevac and gunship.

While the US military has retired the UH-1N variant, the UH-1Y, a modernised version, continues to serve in the Marine Corps.


Bell UH-1 Huey helicopter flies over Washington

The Bradley Fighting Vehicle is rolling out in the parade right now, showcasing its long-standing role as the US Army’s trusted armored workhorse since the 1980s. This tough, tracked vehicle carries soldiers, scouts ahead, and supports troops with serious firepower.
Named after World War II US Army General Omar Bradley, this vehicle has seen action in war zones like the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan. It can carry up to seven troops and is armed with a 25mm chain gun, a machine gun and long-range anti-tank missiles that can take out enemy tanks from a distance.

It has a 600-horsepower engine can reach about 64km/hour. With thermal sights and strong armor, it’s built to handle tough combat situations.
Since 2023, the US has sent more than 300 Bradleys to Ukraine, where they are used to counter Russian forces. Drones have proven especially difficult for the Bradley to defend against in a modern conflict zone.
But the latest variant, the M2A4, brings much-needed updates including modern electronics, enhanced survivability and anti-drone systems to meet evolving threats.
The US Army is preparing to phase in the XM30, a next-generation replacement with a larger gun and advanced tech that is expected by 2027.


Bradley Fighting Vehicle rolls out in parade

Lyle Goldstein of Brown University and a former professor at the US Naval War College professor told the Post he was watching for whether any of the armoured or artillery systems displayed showed evidence of upgrading for drone defence, since the Ukraine war has witnessed such attack methods on the modern battlefield.
Overall, however, Goldstein expects limited new insight, noting the Pentagon’s caution about revealing details of new systems and the apparent “paucity of key systems” in the parade, such as air defence, electronic warfare, drone warfare and long-range artillery.

Given that the US Army would be the least likely to end up in a direct encounter with the People’s Liberation Army in most scenarios, Goldstein said Beijing was typically more interested in learning about the US Navy, Air Force and Marines.
Still, Goldstein said Chinese strategists may pay special attention to the M1 tanks – a system that has recently arrived in Taiwan from the US – saying the PLA was “very interested in how to efficiently destroy these new elements in the Taiwan arsenal”.


‘Paucity of key systems’ on display

The M119 Howitzer is making its appearance now in the parade. This 105mm towed artillery system weighs about 1,935kg and is designed for quick deployment by light infantry and airborne units. It can reach targets up to 19.5km away with rocket-assisted rounds.

The M119 has seen action in conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan and is currently part of the US’ military aid package to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.


M119 Howitzer takes centre stage

John Mark Hansen of the University of Chicago said of the parade that it was “hard to imagine that it’s something that the Chinese would take seriously as a show of strength”.
“We give more effective warnings all the time. We send aircraft carriers to the South China Sea. Those are much more significant because they show a commitment and a readiness,” he added.



‘Parade not a message to China’

The Strykers are on the move now. The Stryker is an eight-wheeled armoured vehicle used by the US Army since 2002. Seen as the Bradley’s quicker, lighter cousin, it’s built for fast troop movement in urban and rapid-response missions.
With a top speed of about 97 km/h and a range of 480km, its wheeled design gives it an edge in speed and mobility over tracked vehicles like the Abrams or Bradley.

The Stryker has been used extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan and is valued for its speed and quieter ride compared to tracked vehicles. The US Army currently operates more than 4,000 of them.
With ongoing upgrades, including work on laser-based defenses, the Stryker is expected to remain a key part of the Army’s vehicle fleet well into the 2030s. In 2023, Ukraine received 90 Strykers, which have since been used in combat, though some were lost to drone and artillery strikes.


Stryker Armoured Vehicles on the move

Police in Culpeper, Virginia arrested a man for reckless driving, accusing him of intentionally driving into a group of people leaving a “No Kings” protest.
At least one person was hit, according to police, but they noted they hadn’t received any injury reports.
A group identified as Culpeper Democrats thanked the police department in a Facebook post for its “quick response and for keeping our protest safe”.



Man intentionally accelerated SUV at Virginia protest: police

About a dozen M1A2 Abrams tanks are rolling through the parade route right now. The Abrams is the main battle tank used by the US Army and Marine Corps, weighing around 68 tons and built for power, protection, and speed.
Its 120mm smoothbore gun fires a variety of shells, making it highly effective against enemy tanks and vehicles.

Introduced in the 1990s as an upgrade to the M1A1, the M1A2 features advanced tech like thermal imaging, enhanced armor, and a smart fire-control system. It can share real-time battlefield data, track friendly units, and relay enemy positions quickly.
The US also sells Abrams tanks to allies. Taiwan is currently receiving 108 customized M1A2T tanks to replace older models and strengthen its defense, with deliveries ongoing through 2026. Other operators include Poland and Saudi Arabia.


M1A2 Abrams Tanks take the lead

The M777 is a powerful 155mm artillery gun used by the US military and allies. Its lightweight design, made possible by advanced materials, allows it to be flown into battle zones by helicopter or plane and towed by vehicles.
It delivers long-range fire support, firing a variety of shells including GPS-guided Excalibur rounds that can strike targets up to 40km away with high precision.

The M777 has been used in Afghanistan, Iraq and Ukraine, where its mobility and accuracy have been vital.
However, its light frame also makes it more vulnerable in intense combat zones to drone and counter-artillery attacks.
The military is currently testing extended-range versions and exploring protective upgrades for the M777 to enhance survivability.


The M777 Lightweight Towed Howitzer follows the Abrams

For more on the assassination of Melissa Hortman, a former Minnesota House speaker, that shocked the US earlier on Saturday, see the Post’s full story here.



Minnesota shooting recap

The Infantry Squad Vehicle is rolling out behind the M777 Howitzer in the parade. This lightweight, all-terrain transport built by GM Defense carries nine soldiers and their gear across rough terrain with speed and agility.

Designed for airborne and air assault missions, the ISV can be slung under a Black Hawk helicopter and fits inside a Chinook. Its off-road suspension and skid plates help it handle tough ground easily. While unarmed by default, it can be equipped with machine guns, grenade launchers, or anti-tank missiles.
Still relatively new, the ISV hasn’t yet seen much real-world combat but is built to get troops where they need to go – fast and efficiently.


Infantry Squad Vehicle follows M777

The Texas Department of Public Safety said one person has been arrested in connection to a “credible threat” made to state lawmakers planning to attend a “No Kings” protest in Austin, the state’s capital.
The threat had caused state police to close the capitol grounds for a few hours.
The rally ended up proceeding.



Texas arrests person who made ‘credible threats’ to anti-Trump rally attendees

In an incident that shocked America hours before the parade, hundreds of law officers are fanning out across a Minneapolis suburb on Saturday in pursuit of a man who authorities say posed as a police officer and fatally shot a Democratic state lawmaker in her home in what Governor Tim Walz called “a politically motivated assassination”.
Get more of the details here.



Assassination update: officers fan out across Minneapolis

The US Army’s 11th Airborne Division, called the “Arctic Angels”, is marching in the parade. It was brought back in 2022 and is the only active division focused on Arctic missions. The unit is based in Alaska.

With 11,000 to 16,000 soldiers, the Arctic Angels use special gear like Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicles to carry out air and ground missions.
Their work shows the US is keeping an eye on China’s growing presence in the Arctic, where Russian and Chinese activities have raised worries.


US Arctic Angels in parade: spotlight on China and Russia

Dozens of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles are now moving through the parade route now.
The JLTV a versatile military truck that comes in two-seat and four-seat versions. It can be used for different missions, like transporting troops, carrying heavy weapons or supporting close combat.
The JLTV programme was launched by the US Army in 2006 to address critical shortcomings in survivability, payload and performance.

In a memo on May 1 and during a hearing in Congress, US Army leaders said they planned to gradually phase out the JLTV program as part of a bigger effort to modernise the Army.
So far, the Army has received 20,000 JLTVs, with more still being built.
Newer models include better engines, batteries and an option to run partially on electricity.


Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Family of Vehicles rolls through

The 1st Brigade Combat Team, called “Bastogne”, from the 101st Airborne Division, is marching in the parade.
This team is known for moving quickly and using helicopters to carry out missions. It got its name from the Battle of Bastogne in World War II.


Bastogne Brigade marches in parade

The AH-64 Apache helicopters are flying overhead now. Known for advanced technology, strong weapons, and toughness, the AH-64 Apache is a two-seat attack helicopter made by Boeing for the US Army.
According to the US Army, the Apache can strike targets day or night, in almost any weather, using its 30mm gun, Hellfire missiles, and rockets.

Since 1986, the Apache has fought in major wars like the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq. It fired the first shots of the 1991 Gulf War, taking out enemy defences. Britain, Israel and India use their own versions of the helicopter.
The Apache works closely with ground vehicles like the JLTV and artillery guns such as the M119 and M777. While ground forces move and communicate, the Apache delivers quick and accurate air strikes to support them.
The Apache was featured in the 1991 Gulf War Victory Parade with impressive flyovers, but big US military parades are rare today. You’ll mostly see Apaches at airshows, training, and international exercises.


AH-64 Apache Helicopters take to the skies

Robot dogs, some painted in camouflage, made their way through the procession, touted as soldiers able to go where no other can.

They can “sprint” as fast as 10.8 km/h (6.7 miles per hour).



Robot dogs

The M109 Paladin, the US Army’s powerful self-propelled artillery, is also rolling through the parade route.
In service since the 1960s, this 30-ton armored vehicle is powered by a 440-horsepower diesel engine and can travel at speeds up to 56 km/h, delivering heavy 155mm shells from miles away.

Modern versions like the M109A7 feature automated fire control, upgraded armour and GPS-guided Excalibur rounds, allowing for precise strikes at high speed, up to four rounds per minute.
The Paladin remains a key piece of US artillery and has also seen combat in Ukraine, where one was reportedly destroyed by a strike in the country’s Sumy region in June.


Paladin Artillery on the move in Washington parade

250 future soldiers swore their oath of enlistment into the US Army, with Trump leading the ceremony. Some were brand new recruits, and others were re-enlisting soldiers.



250 recruits sworn in

Country music star Warren Zeiders is closing out Trump’s military parade with a set that includes his 2023 hit “Pretty Little Poison” and his 2022 breakout track “Ride the Lightning”.
Other songs played by a rock band during the parade included “Barracuda” by Heart, “Separate Ways” by Journey, and “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol.



Warren Zeiders closes parade with country hits

US Vice-President J.D. Vance says to the crowd: “To our soldiers, we’re so proud of you.”

“Happy birthday, Mr. President!” he adds, before introducing Trump.


J.D. Vance addresses crowd

Trump has taken the stage following the conclusion of the military parade in Washington. Stepping out to cheers from the crowd, Trump is delivering a speech.


Trump takes stage after military parade

“Time and again, America’s enemies have learned that if you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you,” Trump says in his remarks.
“Your defeat will be certain, your demise will be final, and your downfall will be total and complete.”
Of the American military, the US president adds: “They fight, fight, fight and they win, win, win.”



US military ready to defend American interests: Trump

Amid chants of “USA! USA!” from the crowd, Trump delivered a brief but emphatic speech, praising the American military’s determination and success.
“We affirm with unwavering certainty that in the years ahead and in every generation to come, whenever duty calls and whatever dangers arise, the American soldier will be there,” Trump added. “No matter the risks, no matter the obstacles, our warriors will charge into battle.”



Amid ‘USA!’ chants, Trump praises military’s resolve

American country singer Lee Greenwood ended the ceremony by singing “God Bless the USA” and wished Trump a happy birthday midway through the song, which is often played at the president’s rallies.



Lee Greenwood wishes Trump happy birthday

US President Donald Trump’s nearly three-hour military parade concludes, celebrating the US Army’s 250th anniversary, which coincided with the American leader’s own birthday.
Military equipment like Abrams tanks, Paladin artillery, robot dogs, AH-64 Apache helicopters and Joint Light Tactical Vehicle family of vehicles were on full display.
Despite expected rain, the skies stayed clear.
In brief remarks, Trump warned: “If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you. Your defeat will be certain, your demise will be final and your downfall will be total and complete.”
Fireworks are now lighting up the Washington sky to close out the celebration.



Trump’s nearly three-hour military parade concludes

The US military parade showcased a range of American equipment, including Abrams tanks, Paladin artillery, robot dogs, AH-64 Apache helicopters and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles.
The Abrams tank, with extensive combat experience in conflicts such as the Gulf War and Ukraine, contrasts with China’s Type 99, which has a larger 125mm cannon, a three-person crew, higher top speed and longer operational range. The Abrams has a proven combat record and has been widely exported.

The US Stryker vehicle differs from China’s newer VN22, which has six wheels instead of eight, a remote-controlled turret with a 30mm gun and enhanced protection. The VN22 has limited combat experience.
The American Paladin artillery system uses GPS-guided shells with a range of approximately 40 kilometers and integrates with US targeting systems. China’s PLZ-05 has a longer firing range of over 50 kilometers and features a fully automatic loader for faster firing.

The US Bradley fighting vehicle has superior targeting technology and missile range compared to China’s lighter, amphibious ZBD-04A.
The Chinese Z-20 helicopter is considered comparable to America’s Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. It has advanced fly-by-wire controls, a five-blade main rotor for improved lift and range, powerful domestic engines and enhanced defensive systems.


US military gear displayed in parade compared to Chinese counterparts

Chinese netizens have mocked what they say is a lack of professionalism and power seen in the US military parade.
Discussions on the US military parade have gained more than 30 million views on China’s social media platform Weibo, a platform similar to X and known for its discussions on societal and political topics.
Some described “papier-mache warships” and said there was a shortage of advanced weapons on display. Others said the US troops showed “no sign of training” and could not walk in an orderly way. “Are they putting on a Disney-style float parade now?”
One commenter said the viewing stage was decorated like a mourning hall in Chinese culture.


‘Papier-mache warships’

Los Angeles police have ordered “No Kings” protesters in the city’s downtown area to disperse.
Roads are blocked around Alameda south of Aliso and North of Temple as a result of the order.
The Los Angeles Police Department says protesters are throwing “concrete, rocks, bottles and commercial-grade fireworks” at officers.
According to online footage from reporters at site, police have used tear gas at multiple locations, including near City Hall.
A curfew is in effect from 8pm to 6am LA time.



LA protests

Chinese media newspapers and broadcasters have been quiet on the American parade but commenters, bloggers and influencers are posting across various platforms.
One blogger said “even loads of Republican lawmakers couldn’t be bothered to attend. Trump’s parade turned out to be a grand spectacle of nothing.”
Some are drawing comparisons with a parade traditionally held on China’s national holiday, where advanced weapons are displayed to top Chinese leaders and troops march in formation to salute leaders.
One Chinese netizen described the US troops as having “an air of looseness”.


No official comment in China

Authorities identify Vance Boelter, 57, as the suspect in the killing of former state Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in Minnesota.
Another Democratic lawmaker was wounded earlier in the day.
A large manhunt involving SWAT teams is under way and the FBI is offering a reward of up to US$50,000 for information “leading to the arrest and conviction” of Boelter.
A friend of Boelter told NBC News that Boelter is a Trump supporter.
CNN reports that Boelter works for a security company and previously received training from people in the US military.


Suspect identified

More than 2,000 “No Kings” protests were organised across the US for Saturday, including in big cities such as New York, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Denver.
Most protests have wrapped up for the day with most reported to be peaceful.
However, tensions have spiked in Los Angeles as the city’s police officers say they were hit by fireworks and bottles, according to US local media.



Protests across the country

Hong Kong military commentator Song Zhongping says Trump’s military parade was more a “vanity project” than the showcase for critical military messages conveyed by this type of event elsewhere in the world.
Noting that the 250th anniversary of the founding of the army coincided with Trump’s birthday, Song said: “I think Trump’s purpose is merely a military parade to showcase the American army’s history and equipment”.
“The United States does not have the tradition of holding military parades to rally the morale of the people and the soldiers.
“You can see that it is actually quite hasty, and the weapons and equipment displayed are also very few … there is nothing that we don’t know.
“This is not surprising as it is not part of the US military’s DNA. So much of the attention goes beyond the military parade, into the political side.”



Trump’s ‘vanity project’

A shooting has been reported near 200 State Street in Salt Lake City, Utah, where “No Kings” protests were under way in the area.
One person is reported shot and in a critical condition.
A person of interest is in custody and police are asking people to leave the area “safely and orderly” as they investigate.
Online footage shows protesters running as shots are reportedly fired and emergency sirens can be heard.


Shooting reported in Utah

Another Beijing-based military analyst says he did not pay much attention to the US parade as “picking thousands of soldiers with the same height and drilling them for months to walk in meticulous formations has never been the cup of tea of the US military”.
“Many Chinese might laugh at the US soldiers’ formations,” the analyst says, declining to be named so he can comment freely.
“But that is not what makes the US military formidable. China and the US military are built on totally different historical, cultural and ideological backgrounds.
“While the People’s Liberation Army emphasises discipline and political indoctrination, the US troops have always relied on their firepower, technological advancement and agility.
“Moreover, the US has been involved in almost all the major conflicts in the past century – they have had a lot of combat experience.”



‘Power in hardware not marching’

A day of pageantry, protests and violence has ended in the United States after US President Donald Trump held the country’s first large-scale military parade in decades.
Here is a summary of the day:

The celebration of the 250th anniversary of US Army coincided with the president’s birthday on June 14.


Around 6,000 soldiers took part in the parade which featured dozens of aircraft and tanks as well as robot dogs, the M119 Howitzer and M1A2 Abrams Tanks.


“No Kings” protests have been held across the US as the parade was under way. Most have ended but in Los Angeles, protesters are refusing to leave at 8pm as a curfew is implemented.


Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman was assassinated in Minnesota and a manhunt is under way for the suspect, who is reportedly a “Trump supporter”.


At least one person was hurt in a separate shooting in Utah.



Trump’s military parade ends, protest tensions in downtown Los Angeles – as it happened

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Post’s live blog is covering unusual show of American might amid demonstrations of outrage over president’s actions

Post’s live blog is covering unusual show of American might amid demonstrations of outrage over president’s actions