Over 730 protesters lined the busy intersection of South 320th Street and Pacific Highway South in Federal Way, WA on a sunny Saturday afternoon, demanding “Hands Off!” various aspects of civic life they feel are under attack by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

The event, titled “Hands Off! Federal Way Fights Back” and organized by volunteers through the ‘Mobilize’ platform, ran officially from 12 PM to 2 PM, though many participants remained longer. Attendees cited concerns over an attack on funds impacting critical areas, the current economic downturn, and perceived judicial attacks on rights as key motivators for the demonstration.

With a determined but peaceful atmosphere, participants (including me) held signs targeting specific areas of concern. Messages included, “HANDS OFF! CANCER RESEARCH”, “HANDS OFF DUE PROCESS”, “HANDS OFF REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS”, “HANDS OFF OUR SCHOOLS”, “HANDS OFF OUR EQUALITY”, “HANDS OFF OUR CIVIL RIGHTS”, “HANDS OFF OUR PLANET”, “HANDS OFF OUR PEOPLE”, “HANDS OFF OUR CONSTITUTION”, “THREE EQUAL BRANCHES”, and many, many more reflecting a broad spectrum of grievances.

The protest was characterized by its grassroots nature, with no designated speakers or leaders, emphasizing a collective voice of equal people protesting. Chants of “Ban Trump” were frequently heard throughout the afternoon. The demonstration garnered visible support from the community, with numerous passing cars honking and waving in solidarity with protesters lining the road. I personally only counted 10 Trump supporters counter-protesting (albeit not for very long), I would estimate about 10-20 total showed up to counter-protest, symbolizing the death of an ideology.

Federal Way Police were present at the location. Attendees described the intersection with law enforcement as supportive, the officers even taking a moment to stand at a curb with protesters peacefully in solidarity. The stated goal of the demonstrators was to use their collective voice to overpower Trump and Elon.