Thousands gathered in Daley Plaza and in suburban events in protests timed to coincide with a military parade in Washington celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump's 79th birthday.

Willie Mathews Jr., 21, of Matteson, Illinois, is facing felony charges including false personation of a police officer with a weapon.

Thousands of people filled several city blocks in and around Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago--cheering, banging drums and waving upside-down American flags in the air to signal what they see as a country in distress.

Thousands across the Chicago area rallied for "No Kings Day" protests against the Trump administration. There seemed to be a never-ending crowd of people marching from Daley Plaza all throughout the Loop.

At 4 p.m. as protesters were gathering, a counterprotester came to the scene — prompting angry chants to erupt from the main protest.

A huge and peaceful crowed turned out for the "No Kings" rally, shutting down much of the Loop as part of a nationwide protest movement to denounce the Trump administration.

The size of the crowds suggested a summer of sustained anti-Trump protests may lie ahead. The initial lack of violence is a relief. For days beforehand, following protests in Los Angeles that turned violent,

The Houston demonstration is one of several planned in the region throughout the day and is expected to draw thousands of protesters.