Fatal Shooting of Minnesota Lawmaker Overshadows Trump’s Military Parade
In a chilling prelude to a controversial military parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US Army and coinciding with President Trump’s 79th birthday, two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota were shot early Saturday morning. One of them died, while another and their spouses sustained injuries but survived. The attacker disguised himself as a police officer, heightening tensions across the nation.
Governor Labels Incident a Politically Motivated Assassination
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the shooting of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark as an apparent politically motivated assassination. He confirmed that another lawmaker and spouse were targeted separately by the same assailant but survived after surgical interventions. Authorities continue to search for the gunman, who remains at large.
Nationwide Protests Challenge the Parade’s Timing and Purpose
Across the country, thousands have gathered at nearly 2,000 sites to protest what they call a self-glorifying event designed to undermine democratic values. Major cities such as New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Atlanta have seen sizeable demonstrations under the banner of "No Kings," underscoring deep divisions within American society.
The parade itself, held near the White House, has been a long-standing passion of President Trump, inspired by the Bastille Day parade he witnessed in France. Despite a rainy forecast and rising unrest, the President insisted the celebration would proceed "rain or shine."
Violence and Political Unrest Escalate Ahead of the Event
The shooting was not the only sign of escalating tensions. Physical confrontations erupted, including an incident where California Senator Alex Padilla was handcuffed by security after attempting to question the Homeland Security Secretary on raids targeting immigrants in Los Angeles. Videos circulating on social media show heavy-handed law enforcement tactics employed against people based on their appearance and accent, fueling further outrage.
While President Trump recently relaxed deportation efforts in response to complaints from business sectors affected by labor shortages, critics overwhelmingly denounce the parade as an ostentatious display aimed more at personal glorification than national unity.
Public and Political Reactions Remain Divided
Governor Gavin Newsom and other prominent figures have criticized the parade as a "vulgar demonstration" of weakness. Social media reactions reflect a fractured nation, with some mocking the President’s wartime draft history and accusing him of staging the parade as a narcissistic spectacle.
Meanwhile, security around the White House, Capitol, and National Mall was heightened, with reports of heavy police presence and the removal of peaceful protesters, including an 80-year-old veteran whose walker was confiscated during his demonstration.
Amid such polarization, the country faces mounting anxiety as political violence threatens to overshadow historic military celebrations.
