Community organizers and residents gathered on U Street Thursday for a rally aimed at uniting neighbors and pushing back against what they see as an excessive show of force.
“While we are enduring what we’re enduring with the surge in feds, we can utilize this moment to uplift the community, to have our voice heard,” said Justin Yaddiya Johnson, who helped organize the “Defend D.C.” rally.
As the evening continued, crowds grew larger, with advocates sharing messages of resilience while the sounds of go-go music filled the street.
“People cannot live in fear, and that’s what I see our community doing right now… So we have to continue to curate these spaces, so they can feel safe,” said Johnson.
The protests come as Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that since Trump expanded the federal presence in D.C., authorities have made 630 arrests and seized 86 guns.
But many at the rally said more police power isn’t the solution.
“I think if he was really concerned about crime, he would invest in DC in ways we’ve been crying for forever. Invest in public education… And that more black and brown people have access to good-paying jobs,” said Marcus Bachelor.
“All these troops in the street, ICE, DEA, FBI and all those short letters they need to go,” another added.
D.C. Councilmember Robert White also raised concerns. “This is an important moment for DC and for our country; the president is trying to militarize D.C.”
President Donald Trump planned on joining the National Guard and D.C. police on patrol Thursday night, drawing both attention and criticism as federal enforcement ramps up in the District.
“People have to be strategic. The president wants a reaction from people in D.C. We cannot give it to him,” said White.
Still, organizers emphasized that the night was about solutions, not just protest.
“I don’t want to continue to feed the problem; I want to find solutions, and today is day one,” Johnson said.
Trials & Tribulations of King Donald
This revolution will be televised.
