These past few weeks have seen major events take place across the world. While on Panorama we typically bring you national and local news, it would be a miss not to mention the political events taking place in the US.
After weeks of unrest in the United States due to an abundance of ICE raids taking place across the nation, President Donald Trump hosted a military parade in the nation’s capital to celebrate 250 years of the US military.
The event, coincidently coinciding on the President’s 79th birthday, was set to have an attendance of 250,000 people according to the Trump administration, however many noted empty seats along the parade route.
On the same day, millions across the United States participated in ‘No Kings Day’ demonstrations in protest of the Trump administration. The peaceful protests coordinated by the American people took place in many state capitals where thousands marched the streets holding signs and expressing their democratic right to freedom of speech.
The nationwide protests come after a week of demonstrations in Los Angeles against unlawful ICE raids targeting the immigrant community of the city and country. These arrests have seen many families separated and individuals deported with little to no legal proceedings taking place.
President Trump deployed the National Guard to the city despite the city’s Governor Gavin Newsom stating that such force was not necessary. The President has continued to state any protests would be met with “very heavy force” from presence such as police and the military.
This force has been seen in instances such as Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi being shot with a rubber bullet by police while reporting on demonstrations in Los Angeles. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has since commented on the incident, stating “Australia believes in free media, and we believe journalists should be allowed to do their job safely. That’s a very clear message we will consistently send to all across the world, including the United States.”
Sophie Janusko 