Thousands of people rallied at City Hall in downtown Bellingham as part of nationwide No Kings! rallies on Saturday. Robert Mittendorf- The Bellingham Herald
Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Movement Reaches Bellingham
Organized by Indivisible Bellingham and the 42nd District Democrats, the Bellingham rally joined nearly 2,000 similar protests across the country. Other nearby towns like Everson and Maple Falls also hosted local gatherings. The message was clear: “No kings. No tyranny. Yes to democracy.”
Under sunny skies and cool temperatures, demonstrators filled City Hall’s grounds, Lottie Street, and the adjacent library lawn. Signs reading “Protect the Constitution,” “Tax the Rich,” and “I Like My ICE Crushed” reflected growing anger over policies on immigration, climate, healthcare, and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Powerful Voices Demand Justice and Change
The crowd listened intently as local residents and leaders spoke out.
“Our rights are being taken away every day,” said Teresa Flodin, dressed as the Statue of Liberty and quoting Emma Lazarus. “We’re called to love and support one another.”
Brad Willbrandt expressed outrage at what he called the inhuman treatment of immigrants. Holding a sign with Grover from Sesame Street that read “Love Will Win,” he added, “We all deserve equal rights and dignity.”
Bellingham’s Largest Political Rally in Years
This was one of Bellingham’s most significant political events in recent memory, comparable in scale to:
- The Women’s March in 2017
- The Black Lives Matter rally after George Floyd’s death in 2020
Political Leaders Join the Chorus for Justice
State Rep. Alicia Rule of Blaine addressed the crowd with a stirring call for compassion over conflict:
“We do not need a king. We need care, courage, and liberty. And we need each other.”
She condemned recent political violence, including the tragic attack on elected officials in Minnesota earlier that day.
Peaceful Protest with Strong Community Coordination
Organizers coordinated with the Bellingham Police Department to ensure safety. According to Kevin Leja of Indivisible Bellingham:
- Over 20 peacekeepers were present
- 3–4 legal observers monitored the event
- No major incidents were reported
- A few Trump supporters appeared but remained peaceful
Police presence included additional bike patrols, with Lt. Claudia Murphy confirming that all recent rallies had remained calm.
A Message of Hope and Unity
Attendee Megan Hills shared how the rally lifted her spirits:
“Seeing this makes me feel hopeful. It reminds me we’re not alone in this fight for democracy.”
Key Themes from the Bellingham ‘No Kings’ Rally
- Opposition to authoritarianism and political violence
- Support for immigrant rights, healthcare, and climate action
- Upholding democracy and constitutional values
- Peaceful, community-driven protest
- Solidarity across political and social groups
Why This Matters
The Bellingham rally wasn’t just about protesting—it was a bold defense of American democracy. With growing concerns over political rhetoric, human rights, and justice, citizens across the U.S. are raising their voices.
The ‘No Kings’ movement signals a renewed public demand for accountability, fairness, and representation—core values that should guide our nation forward.
#NoKingsRally #BellinghamProtest #DefendDemocracy #HumanRightsNow #PeacefulProtest