EVERETT — Kari Skorstad sat quietly in her chair along Broadway in Everett on Saturday evening with an American flag in her hand and Rebel, her 4-year-old Chihuahua on her lap. A colorful “No Kings” sign rested next to her feet.
It was her second “No Kings” protest of the day — the first was earlier that day in Snohomish.
Skorstad, who was born in Everett, now lives in Snohomish. It was important to her to attend both events.
“People need to feel like they’re not alone,” Skorstad said while adjusting a tiny Uncle Sam hat on top of Rebel.
For more than a few hours, Skorstad didn’t have to worry.
In what has become a common sight in Everett and across the United States, a few thousand people marched from the Snohomish County Courthouse to Broadway, where they filled both sides of the street past Everett Avenue to the north to nearly to 34th Street to the south. Even more people filled side streets for nearly two hours.
Skorstad, and millions of others like her, turned out for similar “No Kings Day” protests across the United States. Indivisible and a coalition of other progressive action groups coordinated the protests for what they say is overreach by President Donald Trump and his administration on immigration enforcement and deportations, civil rights and cuts to the federal government.
Protests were held throughout Snohomish County, including Edmonds, Marysville and Snohomish. Much like the rallies held earlier this year, Saturday’s remained peaceful but boisterous. For blocks, bumper to bumper traffic honked continuously in support of the crowds. People led chants by bullhorns and music blared from speakers up and down the street.
And Rebel seemed comfortable with it all — for good reason. Skorstad got the Chihuahua in April about the same time as the first protest she attended. For that reason, Skorstad named her Rebel.
She watched from her chair as a crowd began to gather slowly at first, and then continued to build.
“It feels good to know that so many other people feel the same way,” Skorstad said.
A few blocks to the north, Sheri Douglas stood along Broadway with Leo, a 5-year-old Pomeranian, hanging upside down from her waist.
“This is me standing up for my rights,” Douglas said. She said she has seen her rights be stripped, and “I want that to be stopped.”
Michael Henneke: 425-339-3431; michael.henneke@heraldnet.com; X: @ihenpecked.
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