Trump presides over Army's 250th birthday event with message of resilience amid political unrest

President Trump on Saturday presided over the Army's 250th birthday celebration and a military parade undeterred by the rainy and cloudy skies that seemed to cast their shadow beyond the nation's capital. 

“Every other country celebrates their victories,” Trump, on whose 79th birthday the event was held, said as the parade of about 6,000 soldiers, 50 military aircraft and 150 vehicles came to an end near the White House. "It’s about time America did, too. That’s what we’re doing tonight.

"Time and again, America's enemies have learned that if you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you. Your defeat will be certain. Your demise will be final. ... our soldiers never give up, never surrender and never ever quit. They fight, fight, fight and they win, win, win."

The crowd sang “Happy Birthday” after Trump’s remarks from the viewing stage, according to NBC News. 

Earlier in the day, a gunman, still at large Saturday night, fatally shot Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and husband Mark after shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and wife Yvette, at the couples' respective homes, in what authorities called "targeted" attacks. 

The Army parade began about 30 minutes before its scheduled 6:30 p.m. start because of the weather, a Secret Service official said. 

Still, Army tanks rolled slowly down Constitution Avenue under the drizzle as large crowds walked among the monuments, some carrying U.S. flags and wearing "Make America Great Again” hats.

Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also attended the parade.

Meanwhile, anti-Trump "No Kings" protesters came out across the country.

The liberal group MoveOn.org, which organized the protests, estimated that about 5 million people attended the demonstrations, which took place in cities large and small – including Houston; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Jacksonville, Florida; Arlington, Virginia,  Charlotte, North Carolina and Washington, D.C.

Organizers described the "No Kings coalition" as non-violent, emphasizing that they canceled the Minnesota protests after news of the shootings.

"The No Kings coalition is and remains a nonviolent movement. We are heartbroken by the shooting in Minnesota," the organization said in a statement when the protests ended. "Our prayers are with their families, their communities, and all those grieving."

The No Kings protests were planned before violent protests earlier this week in Los Angeles in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement's illegal-migrant raids. The protests, including some that were violent, resulted in Trump deploying Marines and the California National Guard.

The protests and the Army parade were also held one day after Israel launched missile attacks on Iran, which in turn launched air attacks on Israel.

Protesters at a demonstration Saturday in Philadelphia were photographed holding signs that read, "TREASON, Punishable by Death," "Your silence is consent" and "NO ONE IS ILLEGAL ON STOLEN LAND."

Protesters in other cities held signs that read, "America Has No King" while others called for Trump's removal from office.

Arrests were made at some of the demonstrations.

A man was arrested in Nashville, Tennessee at a "No Kings" protest for allegedly shoving people in the crowd. 

A man was arrested in Culpeper, Va. for driving his vehicle into a "No Kings" protest. No injuries were reported. 

Police arrested eight protesters at an anti-Trump demonstration on Saturday in DeKalb County, Georgia focused on immigration.

Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman defended the parade as the protests began to wind down.

"This parade is comprised of our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers—the very best of us," he wrote on X. "Regardless of your politics, it’s appropriate to celebrate the 250 years of sacrifice, dedication and service."