(The Center Square) – Washington state leaders are calling citizens to join in upcoming protests against President Donald Trump, but urge demonstrators to be peaceful.
The “No Kings Day” event is occurring in numerous cities across Washington and the nation to protest the Trump administration’s policies. The event is being organized by grassroots political action groups, including Indivisible and the 50501 Movement.
The protest comes amid national unrest over immigration enforcement, particularly in Los Angeles, where protests escalated into clashes between protesters and law enforcement, vandalism and looting. The violent protests led to National Guard troops being deployed to assist ICE agents during operations in the city.
Since initial protests on Tuesday, 10 protesters have been arrested in Seattle, including a notable incident on Wednesday in which eight arrests were made outside of the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle and a dumpster was set on fire.
That same night over in Spokane, 30 people were arrested as protests escalated, resulting in Mayor Lisa Brown issuing a curfew.
In a social media post on Friday, Gov. Bob Ferguson asked Washingtonians to join in the “No Kings Day protests” across the state, but emphasized that demonstrations should remain peaceful.
“In times like this, it’s not just a right that people have to express their opinions about their government – in my opinion, it’s a duty. It’s that important,” Ferguson said.
In a press conference at Jose Rizal Park in Seattle, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said peaceful protests are necessary to fight back against immigration enforcement under Trump. The congresswoman cited a recent incident on Thursday in which U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif. was handcuffed by federal agents as he interrupted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s Los Angeles press conference to ask her a question. Jayapal called the incident a “horrifying scene.”
“As the top Democrat on the House Immigration Subcommittee, I deeply understand why people are terrified and furious, both about what is happening right now,” Jayapal said. “I believe we must continue to stand together and to push back peacefully.”
The Center Square previously reported on No Kings organizers claiming to be trained in de-escalation, while working with local partners to ensure safety and coordination.
