As many of us mark July 4th with celebrations and fireworks, some Roanoke residents decided to spend the day protesting Donald Trump and his administration as part of the national “No Kings” protests.

Franklin County voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump in November, but it too was the scene of a “No Kings” protest today.

Protesters gathered outside the last Roanoke County School Board meeting before summer break Thursday night.

This Easter weekend, protests around the country are targeting the Trump administration’s agenda, including here in Roanoke.

Protests against President Donald Trump’s administration are once again taking place in communities across the U.S. Organizers of Saturday’s events say they’re protesting against what they view as the Republican administration’s constitutional and civil rights violations. Some of the protests are drawing on themes from the American Revolutionary War as Saturday marks 250 years since the Battles of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts launched the conflict. Protests were also planned outside Tesla car dealerships against billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk while still others organized more community-service events, such as food drives, teach-ins and volunteering at local shelters.

Hokies of all kinds joined hands to march on Virginia Tech’s campus to protest President Trump’s executive order to end all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

Protestors have been gathering in Christiansburg each week this month, expressing their concerns about the current administration.

Iran has begun registering candidates for parliamentary elections in March, which will be the first since nationwide protests rocked the country last year.

Thousands of people poured into the streets in Cuba on Sunday in what is becoming the largest anti-government protest in decades.

This method sometimes resulted in searing images of drivers plowing through crowds, causing serious injuries and in some cases, deaths. Now, Republican politicians across the country are moving to stop the road-blocking maneuver, proposing increased penalties for demonstrators who run onto highways and legal immunity for drivers who hit them. Whether drivers face criminal charges in such incidents depends on the circumstances of each case, prosecutors say. But Kunzweiler stopped short of endorsing proposals for harsher penalties for protestors or blanket immunity for drivers. A bill granting drivers immunity for hitting protestors easily cleared an Oklahoma Senate committee recently on a 8-1 vote.

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. Lawmakers and officials representing Virginia have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the violence, as well as share safety updates during the evolving situation. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said he is sending members of the Virginia National Guard and state troopers to respond to the situation. Per the Mayor's request, I am sending members of the Virginia National Guard along with 200 Virginia State Troopers. Thank you to the Capitol Police for keeping us safe and evacuating staff, reporters, and members of Congress to safety.

RICHMOND, Va. – Two Virginia police officers indicted on misdemeanor charges stemming from actions during May protests against police brutality and racial injustice have been released on their own recognizance after making their first appearance in court. McEachin declined to discuss the specific allegations against the officers, and would not identify the detectives' accuser or accusers. Janowski, 34, and Brown, 28, were indicted on the charges Monday by a grand jury that initially deliberated 18 indictments for actions involving eight officers, Smith said. The jury only moved forward on the charges against Janowski and Brown, who have been placed on administrative assignment. In Richmond, protesters have raised various concerns over how police have responded to demonstrations.

(Getty Images)Scenes from the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965. (Getty Images)Scenes from the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965. (Getty Images)Scenes from the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965. (Getty Images)Scenes from the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965. (Getty Images)Scenes from the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965.

MARION, Va. – A small town in Southwest Virginia became the backdrop for a opposing protests on Friday. As Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ protesters were marching Friday evening, counter-protesters with the American Patriots followed them. Police asked the Black Lives Matter protesters to keep walking up one side of the road. It all started back in June, one day after a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest was met with counter-protesters. The family organized that Black Lives Matter protest and the one on Friday.

A Florida sheriff says he will deputize every gun owner in his county to put down any violent protests his deputies can’t handle alone. Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels gave no indication in a three-minute video released Wednesday that any demonstrations are planned in his suburban Jacksonville county. He is under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after his former employer, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, announced last year that he’d had an affair with a co-worker when he was running its jails. Daniels, who is married, was accused of later having the woman falsely arrested. He issued an apology, but said he wouldn’t discuss specifics.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – After recent protests, the Lynchburg Police Department has spent about $77,000 to keep people safe during the demonstrations. Officials with the department told 10 News officers worked more than 2,000 hours of overtime. These hours also include the nights when peaceful protests turned violent near Fifth and Federal streets and Miller Park last month. The department said it encourages peaceful protests and wants people to be safe. Officers are now asking people organizing protests in the city to fill out an application for a permit.

Harry H. Rogers was arrested and charged with assault and battery, attempted malicious wounding and felony vandalism, Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Taylor said in a statement. We are investigating whether hate crimes charges are appropriate," Taylor said in the statement. Taylor's statement said Rogers was driving recklessly in the vicinity of the protest, drove up to the protesters, revved the engine and drove into the group. In her statement, Taylor noted a similar attack that took place the day of a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville in 2017. An avowed white supremacist drove his car into a crowd of peaceful anti-racism demonstrators, killing one woman and injuring dozens more.

Whos going to respond to the armed robberies? Whos going to do the criminal investigations if you have a homicide? Whos going to have access to the information that is sometimes confidential?" What youre talking about is taking money away from the police and putting it into other areas, such as social services, health services, where it could also be needed, said Burke. Lea did say city council would look at the budget to see if they could reallocate some funding to things like social services or education.

The group Lynchburg Community Bail Fund helped bail him out. Kemper walked out of the Lynchburg Regional Jail and embraced his family after sitting behind bars for almost a week. Lynchburg police told 10 News that Kemper was taken in by the tactical unit and a stun gun was used on him. The 38-year-old is facing several charges, including incitement of riot, unlawful assembly and carrying a concealed weapon. RIOT AND UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY - Conspire with, incite others to riotRIOT AND UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY - Participate in unlawful assembly, generallyRIOT AND UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY - Participate in riot with firearm or weaponWEAPONS - Carry concealed weaponWEAPONS - Convicted felon in possession of a concealed weaponKemper was taken into custody by members of the LPD Tactical Unit and was tased as part of the arrest.

Matt Block saw Gwynn's story on the news and decided to give him his prized 2004 red Mustang convertible. Block, 27, told CNN the car is one he wanted since he was a child, but these days he is only using it occasionally. He saw Gwynn ask for some car buying advice on Facebook, and Matt decided to offer up his sports car. We just need to get together our whole city and show people how there's so many good people here," Briceland told CNN affiliate WKBW. After high school, Gwynn had planned to go to trade school while saving up to go to college.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – UPDATE 6:00 P.M.A peaceful Black Lives Matter protest ended around 5 p.m. in Lynchburg’s Miller Park on Saturday. The group gathered at the peaceful Black Lives Matter protest in Miller Park in Lynchburg is moving to the sidewalk to continue to demonstrate with signs and chants. ORIGINAL STORYA peaceful, Black Lives Matter protest is happening on Saturday in Lynchburg. The group met in Miller Park starting around 3 p.m.Organizers said it’s a peaceful event and kids are welcome to attend. Saturday’s event comes after Lynchburg’s city manager lifted a mandatory curfew after three nights of peaceful protest.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – For three consecutive nights, Mackton Saunders successfully led a large crowd, protesting peacefully for inequality, through Lynchburg streets. "That's the only way to get anybody's attention here is peaceful protest,” Saunders said. Earlier this week, protests turned violent with shots fired calls, damage to businesses and police throwing tear gas toward protesters. Police said seven people including a 14-year-old boy are facing charges for incidents related to protests on Sunday and Monday night. Chief Zuidema said though he feels comfortable lifting the curfew, it will be a reevaluating decision based on protests Friday night and Saturday afternoon at Miller Park.

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. A local running apparel store is contributing to the nationwide movement for racial justice by selling special T-shirts. About 60 shirts had been ordered from Fleet Feet in Roanoke as of Thursday afternoon. Its the Roanoke Way.100% of the proceeds will go to TAP and Humble Hustle in Roanoke. Were welcoming to all, were inclusive, said Fleet Feet Marketing Manager Casey Lewis. As of Thursday, about 200 shirts were available but more could be ordered if the demand is high enough.

ROANOKE, Va. – The conversation to solutions: That’s what a local pastor called Tuesday night’s discussion between faith leaders, Roanoke’s mayor and police chief, and a local protest organizer. All the parties sat down for a candid conversation, opening up about past hurt and future healing. We've done enough of that,” said Pastor Cecil Scott, who organized the conversation. It took Pastor Scott less than 48 hours to get the Roanoke leaders to agree to sit on a stage and talk. Tuesday evening, Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea, Roanoke Police Chief Sam Roman, protest organizer Jordan Bell, Elevation Church Pastor David Shearer, and community mentor Jemarh Fuell, sat side-by-side with Pastor Scott to discuss looking back and moving forward.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A Lynchburg City Council meeting got heated at times on Wednesday as city leaders discussed changing the time of the newly-established curfew. This move comes after city leaders declared a state of emergency amid three nights of protests throughout the Hill City, two of which turned violent. Wednesday’s special city council meeting came with a lot of fight back. “(They) won’t meet the curfew because you as a working person can’t workout in a gym at 5 in the morning," said city council member Jeff Helgeson. Under the new curfew ordinance, the city manager will check in with Zuidema every day at noon on whether or not to extend the curfew.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – At the corner of Wards and Wards Ferry Road in Lynchburg, protesters screamed loud and clear with a message. If he didn’t want to wear a mask, he could’ve just said that,” Clator said. Once night fell, the group took their fight up the road to Campbell County where there was no curfew. The group called it a night with plans to continue the cause another day. Lynchburg police reopened Wards Road after several hours.

“Man, I’m so happy with the Danville community right now,” said Danville Police Chief Scott Booth. Protesters gathered at the JTI fountain in downtown Danville Tuesday afternoon. (WSLS)Booth did not hesitate Tuesday to thank elected officials, community leaders and protesters for coming together to make the protests peaceful. “I saw (at Monday’s protest) young men and women that were hurt and wanted to express their hurt. “I just hope that this actually makes a change and reaches out to people that are refusing to stand out," Jones said.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Two more people are facing charges in connection with protests that turned violent over the past few nights in Lynchburg. [WATCH: Lynchburg officials hold press conference to discuss chaotic protests, mandatory curfew]Demetre Wade, 25, of Lynchburg, is charged with assault on a police officer, projecting a missile at an occupied dwelling, property damage and unlawful assembly. Mackton Saunders, 31, of Lynchburg, is charged with unlawful assembly related to Monday night’s protest after it was declared unlawful. Lynchburg police chief Ryan Zuidema requested mobilization of the Virginia Army National Guard to Lynchburg to ensure the police department has “adequate response capability” to protect citizens in light of the violence that took place in Lynchburg and other cities across the state over the past few days.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – The local NAACP chapter organized a demonstration at Monument Terrace in downtown Lynchburg on Tuesday. It followed nights of unrest that led to several arrests across the city and a mandatory 8 p.m. curfew. “I think it’s rooted in the right place but I think it’s also going to follow the same lines we’re all fighting right now. Let’s do that Lynchburg," shouted one of the clergy officials. Similar to the prayer vigil hosted by the Lynchburg faith-based community on Monday, local NAACP chapter leaders said events like Tuesday’s demonstration and clearly-defined strategy are the best ways to move forward.

DANVILLE, Va. Police shared a warning on Tuesday evening that unconfirmed rumors circulating on social media of a violent raid planned for the Danville Walmart are not true. Danville police shared a photo that suggests a planned smash & grab." They wrote, The picture below is FALSE information.Police said they are aware of the misinformation and said the rumor is several days old, however, because it had been widely shared on social media, Walmarts management decided to close the store early on Tuesday as a precaution. There have been no issues regarding a violent event at Walmart, Danville police said.

BLACKSBURG, Va. Hundreds gathered outside the Blacksburg Police Department on Tuesday afternoon for the Dialogue on Race to discuss race relations in Montgomery County. Attendees heard from activists, local elected officials and law enforcement from Montgomery County, Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Virginia Tech. A woman attending the Dialogue on Race event outside the Blacksburg Police Department on Tuesday holds a sign that reads 'STOP RACISM NOW'. One of the event organizers, Penny Franklin, said local law enforcement and community members have been having these conversations for nearly a decade as part of the Dialogue on Race community group, which is aimed at understanding and improving race relations in the county. Our public, our citizens, our community: they have to trust us, but we have to earn that trust, said Sisson.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – 4:30 A.M. UPDATE:The mugshots of two protesters arrested during protests in Lynchburg on Sunday and Monday night have been released. Police said these charges are in connection with unlawful activity at 5th and Federal Streets overnight on Sunday night. Police said these charges are in connection with unlawful activity at 5th and Federal Streets overnight Sunday night and unlawful activity in the area of Miller Park Monday night. Police said these charges are in connection with unlawful activity at 5th and Federal Streets overnight on Sunday night. Police said these charges are in connection with unlawful activity at 5th and Federal Streets overnight Sunday night and unlawful activity in the area of Miller Park Monday night.

ROANOKE, Va. – Monday evening, protests continued in Roanoke. “He asked you three questions,” one protester shouted at the chief, saying the chief did not answer the questions. Roman’s appearance came after repeated calls all weekend long by protesters for him to come to the protests and talk to them. Instead, saying he hopes to talk to protest organizers before a protest and be involved in the planning process. Late Saturday night until early Sunday morning, a different group of protesters, numbering possibly in the hundreds, marched through the streets of downtown Roanoke.

Here's a look at protests happening right now in Denver, Colorado. [Feed has no audio]

LYNCHBURG, Va. Before Mondays peaceful protests turned chaotic and then violent, hundreds gathered for a prayer vigil in Lynchburg. [More arrests come after protesters shoot at officers Monday night in Lynchburg]It was a moment for healing early Monday evening at Monument Terrace after violence broke out in Lynchburg the night before. Hundreds of people from churches across the Hill City gathered at 6 p.m. on a historic hill -- the terrace steps. The Ramp Church International and Waymaker Church, along with others, felt it was time for the faith-based community to act. Younger, Senior Pastor at Ramp Church International.

WASHINGTON – Protests could be seen happening just a few blocks away from the White House. Washington, D.C. protests In Washington, D.C. protests are happening just blocks away from the White House. Posted by WSLS 10 / WSLS.com on Sunday, May 31, 2020

RICHMOND, Va. – Police have arrested individuals who violated the newly imposed curfew in Richmond. Ralph Northam authorized a curfew for the city that began tonight and will last until June 3, going from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.Police had said Sunday night that at least two dozen people had been arrested, but news outlets reported Richmond police Chief William Smith updated that number during a news conference Monday, saying a total of 233 people had been arrested. Smith said more than half of the people who were arrested did not live in Richmond. While curfew is in effect, people must remain in their homes and may only leave to seek emergency services or travel to/from home, work, or places of worship. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports police used tear gas and pepper spray on demonstrators, who started marching downtown from the defaced Robert E. Lee statue shortly after the curfew took effect.

BLACKSBURG, Va. Protesters against police brutality took to the streets of Blacksburg on Monday afternoon. The demonstration started as a corner protest on Main Street and College Avenue just before noon. From there, the protest went back through downtown and through Virginia Tech before returning to the police station. "I dont care if its an hour, 30 minutes, 15 minutes, or 5 seconds. Blacksburg Police Chief Anthony Wilson plans to share his thoughts about George Floyds death on Tuesday afternoon.

Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency, Virginias capital city, Richmond, has closed Capitol Square. The Department of General Services, in collaboration with the Capitol Police, will keep Capitol Square closed to the public until further notice. DGS first closed Capitol Square Saturday, following civil unrest on May 29 that resulted in damage to multiple surrounding buildings and structures. We have a responsibility as stewards of the historic Capitol Square grounds to protect them from depredations and injury, said Joe Damico, DGS Director. Until we can be assured that these buildings and grounds, as well as the people who visit or work among them, can be secure from outside threats, it is prudent to keep Capitol Square closed to the public.Typically, Capitol Square is closed from daily from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m.DGS and Capitol Police will monitor activity near Capitol Square to determine when it is appropriate to reopen to the public.

WASHINGTON The president tweeted Monday evening that he will be providing an update on the Federal Response.NBC News is reporting that Trump is considering a move to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would allow him to deploy U.S. troops within the country. It would be the first time the act to deploy U.S. troops was invoked since the 1992 Rodney King protests.

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump just announced that hes authorized U.S. troops to help curb violence in cities with rioting and looting. Earlier Monday, the president tweeted his support to having military respond to the violence across the country. The president said the 7 p.m. curfew in Washington, D.C. will be strictly enforced. As we speak, I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily-armed soldiers, military personnel, and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property, said Trump. Listen to what the president said:Stay with 10 News for more information on this breaking news story.

Thank you Tom! Thats what President Donald Trump tweeted in reply to a tweet by Arkansas US Senator Tom Cottons suggetion on how to stop recent riots and looting. Cotton suggested utilizing the 101st Airborne Division. That group is a division of the United States Army trained for air assault operations. According to MilitaryTimes, more than 17,00 National Guard troops have been deployed across 23 states and the District of Columbia to help calm growing tensions with the now week-long protests.

Protesters at Roanoke’s Market Square lay face down for 9 minutes during their protest in response to George Floyd’s death while in custody in Minneapolis. Protesters are moving from where they’d been gathered outside of the Roanoke City Police Department toward the City Market building. The protest was much smaller on Sunday than what 10 News observed during Saturday’s protests that lasted until early Sunday morning. [Breaking down the timeline of Saturday evening’s Roanoke protests]Some protesters on Sunday were asking to speak to Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea and Roanoke City Police Chief Sam Roman. The other protest ended in downtown Roanoke near the police station after someone threw a firework at a group of officers and law enforcement officials.

ROANOKE, Va. – A Virginia State Trooper has minor injuries after being hit by an illegal firework during protests in Roanoke Saturday night that lasted until early Sunday morning. The trooper is doing OK and recovering from minor injuries, according to the Roanoke City Police Department. Police said it was an illegal firework and they have not located the person who threw it.

ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke city manager Bob Cowell announced that he declared a local state of emergency for Roanoke on Saturday. That gives city leaders authority to set a curfew if needed. Roanoke City police chief Sam Roman said city leaders want to advocate for peaceful protests and provide a safe place for people to do so and let their “very worthy” voices be heard. WATCH THE FULL NEWS CONFERENCE HERE:Roman said there were approximately six arrests stemming from the protests on Saturday and into Sunday. Get the WSLS 10 News App in your app store to get push alerts and follow 10 News on Facebook as we are livestreaming many updates.

ROANOKE, Va. – Several Roanoke area businesses closed early on Sunday. TARGETThe Target store at Valley View in Roanoke closed early on Sunday before 1:30 p.m. Target is normally scheduled to close at 9 p.m. on Sundays. Signs posted at the store say it will reopen Monday at 8 a.m.WALMARTThe Valley View Walmart closed before 2 p.m. Sunday. The Bonsack Walmart closed early. The Clearbrook Walmart closed early and will reopen Monday at 7 a.m.VALLEY VIEW MALLValley View Mall also closed at 5 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. as a safety precaution, according to mall security.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – As protests continue across the U.S., Target is closing select stores as a safety precaution for its employees and to help the community "heal.”Target locations in Virginia are not affected by this move. Read the full list here. Target announced that employees affected by temporary store closings will be paid for up to 14 days of scheduled hours during store closures, including COVID-19 premium pay. They will also be able to work at other nearby Target locations.

RICHMOND, Va. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency on Sunday afternoon amid protests throughout the state in response to George Floyds death while in custody in Minneapolis. The declaration authorizes assistance to localities as they respond to escalating violence in their communities. A state of emergency allows the state to mobilize resources, include the Virginia National Guard. It also allocates $350,000 for state and local governments and state response and recovery operations authorized and coordinated through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. The order extends a curfew in Richmond between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Sunday through Wednesday, June 3.

Published: May 31, 2020, 7:49 pm Updated: May 31, 2020, 9:01 pm(Pu Ying Huang for The Texas Tribune)NEW YORK NBC News is airing an hour-long special report Sunday night on the nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd. NBC News is airing an hour-long a special report Sunday night on the nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd. Posted by WSLS 10 / WSLS.com on Sunday, May 31, 2020The special report is slated to begin at 8 p.m.Lester Holt will anchor the report.

WASHINGTON The lockdown at the White House has been lifted, according to NBC News. NBC News reported The White House was on lockdown on Friday night in response to protests and growing unrest in Washington D.C. and around the country surrounding George Floyds death. The lockdown was in effect for a little over an hour. The Secret Service had closed off the White House press room with several members of the media still inside and not allowed to leave, according to NBC News.

According to NBC News, a group of Iranian protesters demanded that the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei step down on Saturday after the government said its military had by mistake shot down a Ukrainian plane, killing all 176 people on board. Those aboard the doomed flight included 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians, including the nine crew members. Ten passengers were from Sweden, four from Afghanistan, three from Germany and three from the United Kingdom. The protesters in Iran expressed anger at what they perceive as an initial cover-up. But U.S. intelligence officials had said earlier that evidence suggested that the plane was shot down by an Iranian missile by mistake, multiple officials said.