‘No Kings’ rally draws thousands to Everett

The issues varied Saturday at the rally in Everett, but thousands of participants agreed on one thing: No Kings.

From massive rallies in big cities to handfuls of protesters waving signs on small town street corners, the third nationwide No Kings protest emphasized that the people – not elected officials who think they’re the country’s rulers – have the final say in America.

Sponsored by the national organization Indivisible, more than 3,300 rallies were planned in all 50 states. Everett police estimated the crowd gathered outside the Snohomish County Courthouse at between 6,500 and 7,000 people.

There was a range of protesters, from families with children to senior citizens, and their signs called out a variety of issues, from child care to support for immigrants to voting rights and more. Not surprisingly, the main focus of their ire is the current occupant of the White House who is disliked by at least half the country for his authoritarian ways.

Before rally goers spread out on Broadway Avenue, they made signs, participated in sing-alongs and listened to progressive leaders calling for the people to stand up and remind President Trump “and his enablers that real power belongs to the people, not a flailing wannabe king.”

Here is a sampling of what speakers said:

U.S. Rep. Susan DelBene, D-1st district, framed the moment as part of a broader national fight over voting rights and representation.

“They are trying to rig the system … to make sure that they have a permanent majority,” DelBene said, pointing to redistricting efforts and attacks on vote-by-mail. “But when we stand up, we win.”

Drawing on the legacy of civil rights leaders, she added that it is up to citizens to “never give in, never give up” and to keep “getting into good trouble, necessary trouble.”

Anita Dietrich, founder of the Snohomish County Chapter of Indivisible, told the crowd the size and energy of the rally reflected a growing movement.

“That’s not status quo … that is people power, and it is growing,” she said. “Not only do we reject kings, we are building something that cannot be ruled by one.”

Dietrich warned that the current political moment is a test of democracy itself.

“If power can be taken through fear … then we don’t just lose policies. We lose the idea that this country belongs to us,” she said.

Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti struck a more urgent tone, urging action rather than despair.

“We must externalize it into action. That is the path forward,” he said. “It will take the tools of democracy to save democracy.”

ACLU of Washington attorney David Montes pointed to ongoing legal battles with the Trump administration, saying the courts remain a key battleground.

“We do not allow a president to violate the due process rights of our neighbors,” Montes said. “If this administration tries to bring the clown show here … you are telling them, ‘No kings, not here.’”

State Sen. Marko Liias, 21st district, emphasized civic participation, reminding attendees that change ultimately comes through elections.

“Democracy is not a state, it’s an act,” Liias said. “Every two years, we have the power to peacefully overthrow the government … at the ballot box.”

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers focused on the foundational idea behind the rally’s message.

“No kings … means we don’t accept a system where a few get to decide the fate of everyone else,” Somers said. “We the people is not just a phrase … it’s a job description.”

Karen Crowley, president of the Washington State League of Women Voters, called on attendees to stay engaged and resist efforts to restrict voting.

“These bills are not about election security,” she said. “They are about restricting access to the ballot and deciding who gets to participate in our democracy.”

Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin brought the focus back to local impacts, sharing the story of a young student afraid of being arrested.

“Imagine if that was your child,” Franklin said. “In Everett, we believe that everyone belongs.”

As speakers concluded, the message remained consistent across offices and organizations: democracy depends on participation, and the responsibility lies with the public.

“We bow to no kings,” Dietrich told the crowd, echoed by cheers from thousands gathered outside the courthouse.