Skagit County residents are joining a nationwide day of protest in opposition to recent actions by the Trump administration, which organizers view as threats to democratic norms.
Local participants are hosting events in Burlington and Anacortes on June 14 as part of a mass mobilization day dubbed “No Kings Day.” Hundreds of similar events are slated to take place across the country.
Skagit County has historically been a hotbed for protest movements and civic engagement, ranging from a successful campaign to stop the building of local nuclear power plants in the 1960s and 1970s to more recent involvement in protests for Black Lives Matter and immigrant rights.
“We’re asking the question, ‘Can we agree that there will be no kings in America?’” said Christie Stewart Stein, a member of Indivisible Skagit, which is planning the Burlington event. It is scheduled to take place from 2-4 p.m. in front of the Popeye’s, 120 Cascade Mall Drive.
“We don’t have to agree on everything if we can agree on that. And in that case, you belong with us — no matter what walk of life, no matter your political persuasion, whether you’re not political or whether you’re just scared about what’s happening,” Stein said.
As reasons to protest, organizers pointed to actions like the Trump administration ignoring court orders and his decision to loosen cryptocurrency regulations while his family profits increase by the billions.
“We need to protest and call him out for every move he makes,” said Tim Larson, a member of Anacortes Stands Up, which is hosting the Anacortes event from 12-1 p.m.in front of the Safeway, 911 11th St. “We would love to have you come out and join this very big voice that’s developing across the country in protest of a president who doesn’t really believe in democracy.”
The webpage for the event stresses that a core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action.
A dozen or two La Conner residents have been gathering informally for similar peaceful demonstrations each Saturday at noon at Gilkey Square. Long-time La Conner resident Linda Talman has attended most of those demonstrations.
“If people see us out there, even in a little town like this, it might encourage them to do something,” Talman said.
La Conner resident Bill Chambers registered the June 14 Gilkey Square event with the online platform Mobilize as part of the national “No Kings” movement.
“We just feel like in a time when things feel kinda hopeless and going in the wrong direction, that it’s the best way for us to expend our energy,” Chambers said. “It’s therapy.”
Talman believes the Trump Administration’s decision to send National Guard troops to Los Angeles last weekend in response to protests against his immigration policies could inspire more people to attend “No Kings” protests. The demonstrations in Los Angeles were largely peaceful, but tensions flared following Trump’s decision to send troops.
“What happened in LA makes me want to do more — not less,” Talman said. “So yes, more people will want to join.”
Sydnee Chapman: Sydnee is a freelance and investigative reporter. Her work has appeared in various news outlets in the PNW and Intermountain West. She has lived in various parts of the Western U.S. and Mexico and currently travels and works full time from a camper van.
