Gov. Bob Ferguson and Seattle leaders are urging peaceful gatherings ahead of Saturday’s nationwide protests against President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies.
Thousands are expected to gather for “No Kings” protests in Seattle, Olympia, Spokane and many more cities across the state following a week of escalating demonstrations across the country.
“We’re really encouraging all Washingtonians who plan to demonstrate to follow the law and keep your protests peaceful,” Ferguson said Friday.
The Democratic governor’s plea came after a week of protests against the president’s escalation of immigration enforcement in downtown Seattle outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building, which houses the city’s immigration court. Though demonstrations have remained mostly peaceful, some have led to clashes with law enforcement, a dumpster fire, vandalism and 10 arrests of protesters throughout the week.
In response to anti-immigration enforcement protests in California, Trump earlier this week sent the National Guard and the Marines to Los Angeles despite pushback from state and local leaders there. The National Guard is primarily under the control of state governors, but in certain situations also answers to the president.
Ferguson said he has not heard anything from the Trump administration about doing something similar in Washington, though “communication with the federal government is very difficult.”
Ferguson added that he believes the federal government is only escalating the situation by sending in the National Guard.
“We can handle our situation with the partners that we have,” he said. “We can do this without interference from the federal government.”
On Saturday, he said protesters can expect to see the Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies at events throughout the state.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said the city, its police and its emergency operations center are working closely with the state to ensure people can protest on Saturday safely.
U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat, said she “deeply understands” the fear and anger of many Americans right now, but she urged protesters to avoid violence.
“Let’s not let them win. Let’s meet their hate and their violence with our peace,” she said.
