UPDATE: Hundreds bring ‘No Kings’ to West Seattle Junction

11:32 AM: Thanks to Ian for the first photos. The “No Kings” gathering in the West Seattle Junction is happening now, an informal rally for those not planning to go to the main Seattle rally downtown.

11:37 AM: Hundreds of participants are crossing the intersection on the “Walk All Ways” light, standing on the corners inbetween, as shown by these two traffic camera screengrabs we took :30 apart four minutes ago:

11:54 AM: We have a reporter arriving in the area. Meantime, watching the live traffic cam, it’s not quite Portland-level goofiness, but we’ve noted costumes including inflatable-assisted unicorn, chicken, and dinosaur.(Also, a bald eagle.) Bucky also reports a bagpipe player. … Our reporter says there are also participants at other Junction intersections, including 42nd/Alaska and Oregon/California. And they’re lining California north and south of Alaska, to midblock.

12:19 PM: The 42nd/Alaska group has moved on. Our reporter, who’s been walking the perimeter, saw a few at California/Edmunds. And here from two minutes ago is an updated screengrab from the live-video SDOT cam at California/Alaska:

We’ve also been looking around for any signs of police monitoring; haven’t seen any marked cars or uniformed officers, no reported need for them either.

1:05 PM: We’ve moved on but are keeping an eye on the overhead traffic cam. Here’s a screengrab from two minutes ago:

The “official” end time for this is 2 pm. Meantime, as listed in our event calendar, a South Park group was planning to rally about now, and the “Old Tyme Adults for Democracy” group plans to be at Admiral/California at 2 pm.

1:56 PM: Traffic camera still shows crowds on the corners. Meantime, two more photos sent by readers:

(Photo sent by Jerry)

(Photo sent by Dave)

ADDED 7 PM: Thanks to JCV for sending more photo, including closeups of a couple characters we mentioned above:

DelridgeDude October 18, 2025 (11:36 am)

Needs more diversity. Single demographic there.

WSB October 18, 2025 (12:14 pm)

Not true, according to my reporter (who is Gen Z), and the photos we’ve seen so far, unless you want to count roughly 35 up as a single demographic.
- Kristina October 18, 2025 (12:20 pm)
  
  I have seen many races, ages, religions (people displaying symbols or wearing shirts proclaiming different faiths), etc. and it looks like it’s still growing- sidewalks lined a few people deep, spreading up and down the blocks. I love West Seattle!
Actualperson October 18, 2025 (1:18 pm)

Whose side are you on?
- Bridget October 18, 2025 (7:42 pm)
  
  Side….? You have to go there? Peaceful gathering even if one does not agree with the message.
Anne October 18, 2025 (1:29 pm)

Bull
Little One October 18, 2025 (1:34 pm)

Many people may be attending the main rally and march at Seattle Center. The WS event seemed like an awesome turnout to me!
Orb October 18, 2025 (1:40 pm)

How can you tell? Or are you just spouting off with no facts?
Cass n. October 18, 2025 (1:46 pm)

Lots of ages races genders. Lots and lots, I was proud of our West Seattle.
Hahaaha no thanks October 18, 2025 (2:42 pm)

The people that got us in this mess should be the ones trying to undo their mess. Make America great again right? It was never great for my people so when it actually becomes great then I might care.
Ch October 18, 2025 (3:50 pm)

It was pretty mixed, diverse, representational and open to all Like democracy.

935 October 18, 2025 (11:48 am)

Still king free since 1783!!

T Rex October 18, 2025 (2:32 pm)

Well said!!
Know your history October 18, 2025 (5:25 pm)

You are talking about the 13 colonies. Much of what is now the USA had Kings or Czars ruling over it into the 19th and even 20th centuries. The USA took control of those territories but it should never be forgotten the costs of doing so. Giving up our hard won rights to an autocrat will lead to our ruin.
- 935 October 19, 2025 (1:33 pm)
  
  Im talking about The United States of America. It hasn’t had a king since 1783.
  
  Still doesn’t. Never will. We have a duly elected representative government.
  
  What rights are we ‘giving up’?

Chuck Jacobs October 18, 2025 (12:42 pm)

July 4th is the real “No Kings” day. God bless America!

Know your history October 18, 2025 (5:27 pm)

Every day is no kings day, that’s the point of the declaration of independence and the US constitution. We, the people, have to protest in order to maintain those rights for everyone in this country even those who want an autocrat in power.

Junction Resident October 18, 2025 (12:53 pm)

Enough with the honking!! Fully the support the protesting but do the folks in the vehicle need to be honking?!

Robert October 18, 2025 (1:04 pm)

Yes!
West Marge October 18, 2025 (1:05 pm)

It’s one day, my guy. You’ll survive. Unlike the thousands of people who are suffering because Trump is using a neo fascist army to eliminate brown people. I think you can tolerate the honking
Anne October 18, 2025 (1:30 pm)

Yes they do!
ndmonkey October 18, 2025 (1:42 pm)

Who hurt you?
Kate October 18, 2025 (3:55 pm)

I live in the Junction, too, and in my opinion, they can honk all they want!

xwkax October 18, 2025 (1:12 pm)

A performance, nothing more. It is easy to protest in the comfort of your own neighborhood, surrounded by those who already agree with you. True protest means stepping into spaces where you are not wanted, standing your ground before those who would rather silence you. It demands courage. This, however, is mere theater, feeding the narcissist’s ego. If you truly want him out of office, starve him of what he craves most: attention. If even half the energy poured into these empty spectacles were redirected toward safeguarding policies like Title X, we might finally stand a fighting chance at taking back real power.Until we stop mistaking attention for impact, nothing will change. The cameras will move on, the noise will fade, and he will still be there, grinning, sustained by our outrage. Change will not come from the stage or the slogan. It is born in the trenches of civic action, built through relentless persistence, through the kind of unglamorous work that never trends but always matters. It is cast in ballots, written in letters, fought for in policy rooms, and carried by those too focused on progress to seek applause. Real power does not perform; it endures.

ChatGPT October 18, 2025 (2:04 pm)

Thanks for the AI slop. It’s called building a movement. People out on the streets is civic action!
- xwkax October 18, 2025 (3:37 pm)
  
  Let me say it in a way you can grasp. True activism requires discomfort. If you want to bring real change, go protest in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Arizona. Protesting in an echo chamber feels powerful but it’s safe and does very little.
  
  These types of spectacles only fuel the current administration’s desire for attention. If the objective is real change do the work. They’re dismantling programs like Title X because people are so focused on the shiny objects, they’re ignoring the substantive work. Do you understand the impact of what dismantling Title X will have on this country? What about the cuts he’s already made to the Department of Education? What about his threat to cancel $11B in Army Corp of Engineer projects? Housing and Urban Development and Infrastructure funding are also on the chopping block. Any program or legislation that helps people to live better lives this administration wants it gone. Writing representatives, casting ballots, helping people get registered to vote isn’t glamorous or fun but it creates real and lasting change.
WS Res October 18, 2025 (3:10 pm)

OK doomer.Tell us about your organizing that you did today!
In the trenches of civic action too October 18, 2025 (3:50 pm)

Why would you assume that those of us protesting aren’t also doing other work to fight the injustice of this administration??? That we aren’t also voting, taking civic action, writing letters, donating increasing amounts of money to support efforts to protect our rights and save our democracy??
New Deal October 18, 2025 (3:56 pm)

AI generated or not, it speaks the truth. Fighting for democracy shouldn’t be easy. Just like people boycotting Starbucks. Ooh, such a sacrifice when there is another coffee shop across the street. Sacrifice means cancelling your Facebook or Instagram account for which there is no alternative. I am happy that people don’t support this administration but these protests are not productive. Spend those hours DOING something or protest with your vote.
- Scarlett October 19, 2025 (10:18 pm)
  
  Bingo.
Delridge420 October 18, 2025 (4:12 pm)

Nothing says courage quite like smugly posting online about how people are Doing It Wrong.
Zipda October 18, 2025 (5:18 pm)

Good to see some spin their wheels posting a book while many are out protesting in whatever fashion they can against despotism.
KW October 18, 2025 (6:26 pm)

Do you have specific suggestions as to things we can do? I would really love to hear them and look into them. We attended the rally, and I’ve tried to do as much active advocacy as I can as well (postcard writing, phone banking, calling/writing to my reps, talking to my children about what’s happening, donating, voting, etc). Please don’t assume that people aren’t doing anything else. I wrote postcards with links to voting info until my fingers were numb leading up to the last election. Please tell me what else I can do that you think will be more effective and I will do it! It’s all so frustrating.
- KW October 18, 2025 (6:49 pm)
  
  KW – you’re doing it, and you’re doing a great job 👊 Don’t let a troll on the internet tell you otherwise.
- EL October 18, 2025 (11:42 pm)
  
  Take a look at the Remove Coalition. While a longshot due to minority rule right now – it is our CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT to remove a President who is actively behaving like a King. They are the group that has the most momentum (based in Wash DC) and they need everyone’s support.
“No Kings” is an acknowledgement of how badly we’ve lost October 19, 2025 (7:09 am)

AI or not, I have to agree with ‘xwkax.’ I’m all for peaceful protests, which, to the organizers’ credit, these were, but they aren’t going to move the dial with swing voters (which is the only group that matters in elections) without sound policy and better leaders to communicate that policy. Until we can be about something substantive with voters, all of the protests in the world will be a complete waste of energy. “No Kings” has got to be the worst message I’ve heard in a while. It’s nothing short of an acknowledgement of how badly we’ve gotten our a$$es kicked. Instead of “No Kings,” perhaps we should go with “We need to limit this guy’s power” because we can’t figure out how to get people to stop voting for him.
- Scarlett October 19, 2025 (12:38 pm)
  
  Finally, someone gets it. Hallelujah! For an opposition that considers itself to be politically savvy, theming a protest movement with “No Kings” is atrocious, counter-productive messaging.
- EL October 21, 2025 (9:04 pm)
  
  Or how to get Elon from rigging the election for him. I do not recognize him as my President. He was not legitimately elected. He is in office illegitimately. They literally fixed the election. “They” are in the minority and US, the majority, need to keep showing up and take this guy down!

Actualperson October 18, 2025 (1:26 pm)

Took a friend home to Ballard from the hospital. She said the no kings protesters at 45th & Leary usually got on average 75 people. I went through there an hour ago and there were at least 500 people. Every corner was absolutely packed with every range from babies to seniors.

BJG October 18, 2025 (1:28 pm)

I am happy to say that I’m one of many protesting today. Surrounded by all ages and they look a lot different from me…so who said we are a single demo? Not here on California Ave. Try to get over those preconceptions.

Rob October 18, 2025 (1:29 pm)

Federal Government is closed yet we have a King that can’t open it. You people…

Lagartija Nick October 18, 2025 (3:01 pm)

He certainly can, he just won’t open it because he’s a wannabe king.
Unfortunate October 18, 2025 (3:31 pm)

Whoever told you that thinks you are a fool who won’t fact check them. Don’t prove them right. Democrats have been in DC at congress ready to work and negotiate whereas republicans are vacationing at home while refusing to negotiate. Get out of your bubble and rejoin the real world.
- B October 18, 2025 (5:47 pm)
  
  “Whoever told you that thinks you are a fool who won’t fact check them. Don’t prove them right.” What a spot-on statement. This pretty much sums up the root cause of most of America’s problems right now.
JAM October 18, 2025 (3:36 pm)

I keep seeing this deliberately obtuse narrative about these protests: “We don’t have a king, so why are you protesting a king?” No, we have a president who is attempting with each action to act like a king, and we are publicly saying that we won’t tolerate that behavior. The government is closed because the Republicans and Trump have refused to negotiate, which is the job they should be doing. Our tax dollars pay our elected officials to negotiate with the other side to find the best possible outcome for the American people, not listen to a wannabe dictator.
PSPS October 18, 2025 (6:33 pm)

No, he prefers to keep it closed. He’s ordered Johnson and Thune not to negotiate. That gives Johnson cover to keep the House closed so that he can avoid swearing in Adelita Grijalva, thus delaying the discharge petition for the Epstein files.
ch October 18, 2025 (6:52 pm)

Hey, don’t blame us for GOP/Trump incompetence, dishonesty and corruption. They sure seem unhappy with the demonstrations.
cass n October 19, 2025 (10:07 am)

he’s taking full advantage of the situation. opening too soon is not what an opportunist would want.

Lauren October 18, 2025 (1:50 pm)

Proud of our community 🇺🇸

daphne October 18, 2025 (3:56 pm)

It was definitely a way bigger gathering than the June protest – I’d say twice as big. Great job, West Seattle!!

Maria October 18, 2025 (3:57 pm)

We flatter his ego by referring to him as King. He loves it, and so do his followers. He is a dictator — we need to use harsh words and associations (eg Putin) that his followers might ponder negatively with.

CAM October 19, 2025 (1:39 am)

I’m pretty sure that a king is traditionally a dictator but maybe I read all my history books wrong. And no one is calling him a king. They are saying he isn’t one and that he should stop trying to pretend he is. The point is that presidents are not kings and have limits and checks on their powers but despite repeatedly being told he cannot do something and that it is unconstitutional, he continues anyway. That’s why the protest is No Kings. It’s saying we won’t tolerate the behavior.

1994 October 18, 2025 (4:33 pm)

ooooh, looks like a giant rooster and a pink dino (or is it a duck?) were in attendance too! Were there any frogs, banana or pandas? Good for all these people standing up for democracy! Thank you for the photos!!

Pam October 18, 2025 (5:03 pm)

I saw all those things — frogs, bananas, pandas, plus a lot of unicorns (including me), several racoons, a couple of axlotls (maybe I didn’t spell that correctly), some bears, a flamingo that said she’d escaped from Mar-a-Lago, and at least one Lady Liberty. It was DELIGHTFUL and everyone was kind and cheerful.
- 1994 October 18, 2025 (5:40 pm)
  
  Thanks for the additional info – sounds like a good time!! Cartoonist Dave Horsey in todays Seattle Times has DJT saying to his pal S Miller, “Miller! It’s worse than I imagined. Portland’s overrun by Dinosaurs, Frogs, Pandas, and Unicorns!” Sounds like West Seattle was also overrun with similar types all standing up for freedom :)
- Axolotls October 18, 2025 (7:04 pm)
  
  “Axolotls” has one more “O,” but you were very close! I loved all the costumes. Bravo 🙂 ❌👑

Downtown Seattle October 18, 2025 (5:10 pm)

West Seattle doing literally anything to avoid coming downtown. “We don’t need to go downtown to protest. We already have protests here in West Seattle”

Showing your privilege October 19, 2025 (4:18 am)

There are lots of good reasons for people staying in WS. For me to participate I left my house at 8:30 and got home at 3:30. Other than the trip each way on the water taxi I was on my feet walking or standing the entire time. I’m the full time caregiver of my elderly disabled spouse so I had to pay out of pocket for a caregiver. Mobility, time constraints for many legitimate reasons, very young children (and yes, I know there were a few downtown), other reasons. Ever tried to safely get to Seattle Center and move around in tens of thousand people when using a wheelchair? You can make assumptions about and stand in judgment of people who protested in WS. You are showing your privilege.

KT October 18, 2025 (5:31 pm)

In Victoria for the weekend. The Canadians had a no kings protest here in front of the Parliament building

Alki Stu October 18, 2025 (6:13 pm)

Thanks everyone, everywhere standing up for what is right in our country. Protest is democracy and for many I saw today it was a big risk in this environment.

Oerthehillz October 18, 2025 (7:23 pm)

Definitely not single demo. I saw a raccoon, a chicken, a few frogs and 2 bears!

Admiral2009 October 18, 2025 (10:33 pm)

Maria – you are correct Trump is acting like a dictator and his actions need to be stopped!

Group camp October 19, 2025 (1:52 am)

God bless president Trump! God bless America!

inflatable eagle October 19, 2025 (8:37 am)

I saw nothing but kindness and diversity all afternoon…until reading the smallest of these comments. Very proud of my neighborhood and city!

Cid October 19, 2025 (8:58 am)

I was in West Seattle for the Hands Off protest, in downtown Seattle for June’s No Kings and back in West Seattle for yesterday’s No Kings. Each time…bigger peaceful crowds! Millions around the country (and world!) protesting a childish, vindictive, corrupt , lying grifter who is grabbing power at an alarming rate. He is counting on the slow court system to rule him unconstitutional when it’s too late….that’s worked for him before. I will say to be a part of such a growing movement gives me hope. He did NOT win in a landslide and he has NEVER cared about anyone but himself. That said, he is a master of flooding the airways with his lies to the point that the press can’t or won’t fact check him anymore. We must keep resisting in anyway we can.

Scarlett October 19, 2025 (11:29 am)

And what is the result, CID? Since June, the administration has only redoubled their efforts and more of America has slipped away. The opposition cannot afford to live in an echo chamber because echo chambers are very, very dangerous if they don’t match the seriousness of the situation.
So you think that calling an egomaniac a King is an effective strategy? October 19, 2025 (11:57 pm)

CID, you almost had it there when you said that “he did not win in a landslide.” You’re right, but he won because he got more votes. I can see him sitting on his gold toilet nodding his head as all the people he beat in November call him a King in what has to be the most misguided protest theme I’ve ever witnessed. What a waste of effort. You are literally calling an egomaniac a King and reminding him (and everybody else who’s watching) how much power that he has. And why does he have so much power? Because he convinced more people to vote for him than we did. We have to be smarter or we will keep losing to this guy. If our only message is “This guy is horrible,” but we offer no alternative policy solutions, then all the protests in the world are meaningless. The winning team is not the team that gets the most people to march down the street holding signs. It’s the team that gets the most votes.