3-28-2026 7:42pm

The Blue Wave Grows

Chris Clasen Editor

Photo by LFP resident Iko Knyphausen.

Today, an estimated 1,200 people turned out in Lake Forest Park and more than 3,300 protests took place across all 50 states and around the world, driven by opposition to what demonstrators describe as authoritarian leadership, domestic and foreign policies, and the influence of powerful elites.

Organizers argue that the current political climate has been shaped by fear, intimidation, and a steady stream of crises, discouraging public resistance while eroding democratic norms, civil liberties, and trust in institutions.

But turnout suggests a growing response. Early estimates indicate that as many as 8 million people participated, potentially making it one of the largest protest mobilizations in U.S. history.

Notably, organizers say participation expanded significantly this time, with over a million new attendees. Many reports highlight that for some, this wasn’t just their first “No Kings” protest—it was their first time ever joining a public demonstration.

In Seattle, Master of Ceremonies Charles Douglas of Common Power told the crowd that real change doesn’t come from politicians—it comes from people building connections within their own communities. He urged attendees to meet someone new, emphasizing the power of neighbors organizing together (Seattle Times).

“My job is to get you past the cheering and marching—and to get you to work,” Douglas said.

“If DHS and ICE can be created in our lifetime, they can be abolished in our lifetime,” said Aretha Basu of Puget Sound Sage.

Ongoing war also weighed heavily on the crowd.

“I’m tired of war,” said Michael McPhearson, executive director of Veterans for Peace.

Organizers encouraged attendees to stay engaged beyond the rally, inviting them to join the No Kings Coalition’s upcoming mass call to build momentum and organize for future action.

DO MORE THAN PROTEST