EDITOR’S NOTE:Saturday’s “No Kings” rally marked one of the largest protest days in U.S. history and likely the largest ever in Des Moines, WA. Organizers say over 7 million people attended more than 2,700 events nationwide. In the Seattle–Puget Sound area, preliminary counts showed nearly 90,000 participants in Seattle alone.
Here in Des Moines, the downtown rally drew over 2,000 attendees, a significant jump from the estimated 1,600 at the June event, creating an almost continuous, energetic crowd from Big Catch Plaza down to S. 222nd Street.
We invite you to read the eyewitness accounts and community voices that were captured from Saturday’s event. Their reflections capture not only the scale of the turnout, but also the spirit of the day: grassroots participation, local solidarity and goal-oriented civic energy.
By Victoria Andrews Seniors for the Constitution Des Moines Indivisible
Full-on costumes. Better signs than ever before. People handing out coffee, cookies, and lots of pizza slices. A never-ending cacophony of horns honking. And smiles. So many smiles. That sums up Des Moines’ reaction to what some in DC were calling “domestic terrorism by antifa” and a “Hate America protest.”
We were part of a record-breaking seven million who gathered nationwide for the second No Kings rally. two million more than the first on June 14. And by all accounts, Des Moines topped its first rally, too, which drew over 1,600. This time it was roughly 2,000 (or more), with both sides of the sidewalk nearly impassable from Big Catch Plaza south to 222nd Street.
The Des Moines Food Bank was thrilled to receive $1,567 in cash donations and a trunk of food as well. They have already seen an increase in traffic since the federal shutdown, so they are beyond grateful to the community’s show of support.
And the community was there: not just Des Moines, but surrounding cities were also represented: Normandy Park, Burien, Renton, Kent and Auburn in particular.
As the representative from the organizers (Seniors for the Constitution and Des Moines Indivisible), the simple question asked of all those interviewed was:
“Why did you decide to come down here today?“
Here’s what we were told:
Cara, Des Moines, who brought Ethan (no costume) and Grandma Heidi, who brought Lenora (T-Rex): “Because it matters! I’ve come to every one of them!”
Sam, Burien: “To protect this country for my grand-daughter.”
Linda, Burien: “When you feel like you can’t fight, this is an action you can do when so much is out of your power.”
Mary Kent, and Heidi, Des Moines, respectively: “This is my fourth protest. I’m totally against everything this administration is doing. I believe our rights are being taken away and destroyed.” “I don’t think you can write what I feel! The nicest thing I can say is that I think he’s the anti-Christ!”
Melisa, Des Moines: “I have brought my granddaughter with me. She’s 13 and this is the world she’s going to inherit. She needs to stand up to the injustice for those who don’t have a voice. She’s making a sign right now and I think she’s converted! It makes me proud!”
Brett, Auburn: “I used to live in North Hill. I brought pizza. I figured it was lunchtime and people would be hungry, so I’m supporting the community.”
Jackie, Des Moines: “I’ve been here before, for a long time. It gives me hope because people are taking it seriously. We have to do something.”
Karen (grandmother), Victoria (mother), Jack (age 6) and Lyle (age 9). Victoria: “We came so they can see how democracy is expressed. Everyone’s voice counts, no matter how big or small.” Karen: “This is such an important time in our country. He’s actually killing people, zip-tying children. This is the country my grandchildren are going to inherit.”
Brian, Normandy Park (precinct committee officer): “I came to show my displeasure with the current administration, to save democracy. I came up with my sign yesterday.”
Susan, Des Moines, down on 219th: “Why? I can’t stand him! Old people were supposed to be the only ones coming out, because we know how a president is supposed to act, and we’ve gone through a few of them. He’s cruel and unpatriotic.”
Krista, Kent, and daughter Meridith (24). Krista: “We didn’t have a gathering in Kent, but given our population, I can understand. The flag and patriotic symbols don’t belong to just one side of the aisle.” Meridith: “Because this is my future and I’d rather not live where I can’t be myself.”
Milo and Maya, age 9, Des Moines. Maya: “We came so we can fight for democracy.” Milo: “I like the protest but I don’t like what Trump’s doing. It’s all over the local news and it’s affecting America.” Maya: “This is worldwide!” Their mom: “This is my first protest ever! Theirs, too!”
Shannon, Renton: “All my friends came to this one.” Re: her sign: “it resonated with me. Half the country is asleep and willingly letting this takeover happen.”
Megan and Maya (age 8), Des Moines. Maya: “I like making signs and I don’t like Donald Trump!” Megan: “And we need to speak up for everyone.” (The pink costumed protester took off before I could interview her!)
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