RENTON – Over 300 demonstrators gathered along the edge of the Landing and near Boeing’s factory on April 19, from noon to 1 p.m., making their voices heard in protest against the Trump administration. With bells ringing, kazoos playing, and a variety of signs being held high, the crowd united over numerous causes.
This protest came two weeks after the nationwide “Hands Off” protests, which spurred more people to take action and share their grievances about the current political climate.
Christine P., a Renton resident, was one of those who decided to speak out. Her participation in protests began after the February 28 meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Christine was upset by the treatment of Zelenskyy during that Oval Office encounter, and it motivated her to attend subsequent protests.
“I felt I had to do something,” she said. “Seeing so many people coming together, it really shows that protest is powerful. The more people show up, the stronger our movement becomes.”
For Maya Valladao, a Federal Way resident, the April 19 protest was only her second, inspired by her niece, Ronda Henderson of Renton, who took her to a similar protest in Covington.
“I’m not typically the protest type, but things have gone too far,” Valladao explained. “There are so many issues—too many to name—like the treatment of Social Security, the attack on due process, and the dismantling of the IRS. I won’t stop protesting until this ends.”
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Henderson, who has protested many times before, expressed her satisfaction with the turnout in Renton.
“It’s great to see so many concerned people here in Renton,” she said. “We need even more people to join us. We need more voices.”
Mark Clawson from Maple Valley also added his voice to the protest, citing his concerns about environmental issues. He expressed his opposition to an executive order allowing logging in National Forests.
“These ancient trees, some over 1,000 years old, are being destroyed,” Clawson said. “It’s heartbreaking to see greed threaten our children’s future and their ability to experience these forests.”
Among the protesters was Renton City Councilmember Ryan McIrvin, who is running for King County Council. McIrvin held a sign reading “HANDS OFF DUE PROCESS!” and explained why he joined the rally.
“I wanted to be here for the community,” McIrvin said. “I agree with many of the concerns people are expressing. What’s happening right now is not right.”
As the protest continued to grow, the message was clear: there’s a deep desire for change, and the people of Renton are ready to stand up for what they believe in.
