Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Seattle on Saturday as part of a third wave of nationwide “No Kings” protests against the Trump administration, with demonstrations unfolding across the country amid a military conflict, rising gas prices, and a partial government shutdown.
The Seattle march began at Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill and wound through downtown, with crowds moving down Fifth Avenue and shutting down several streets before concluding near Seattle Center. Some demonstrators also gathered near the Space Needle. Washington State Attorney Nick Brown was among the speakers who addressed the crowd. By 4:30 p.m., the Seattle Department of Transportation confirmed all streets had been fully reopened. Seattle Police reported no arrests or incidents.
Protesters carried homemade signs criticising the president and highlighting concerns ranging from immigration enforcement and the war in Iran to what many described as a broader erosion of democratic norms. “The autocracy, the fact that Congress isn’t doing what they’re elected to do,” one protester told KOMO News. Others described a sense of urgency that brought them out. “We got to show up, man, everyone’s got to show up,” another said.
For many attendees, the demonstration was as much about community as it was about politics. “It’s very cathartic to be with like-minded people who understand how insane the world is, and want to do something about it,” one protester said. Others framed Saturday’s march as part of a longer effort. “I know what’s really important is for us to get out and vote,” one demonstrator said. “That’s the one thing that’s finally going to make a change.”
The Seattle march was one of thousands of similar demonstrations held nationally, marking the third time in less than a year that large crowds have mobilised under the “No Kings” banner.
