News Summary
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Washington, D.C. to protest the ongoing deployment of the National Guard in the city. The event, organized by the Free DC Project, highlighted concerns over federal agents’ presence and community safety. Participants expressed that they felt ‘under attack’ and called for the withdrawal of troops from the capital. The demonstration was marked by chants, community gatherings, and live performances, reflecting growing tensions between local communities and federal oversight.
Washington, D.C. – Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington, D.C. on Saturday to express their opposition to the ongoing deployment of the National Guard in the city. The demonstration, titled “We Are All DC,” began at Meridian Hill Park around 11 a.m. and concluded at Freedom Plaza, located near the White House.
Participants voiced their concerns, stating that their community felt “under attack” from federal agents, citing instances of profiling, harassment, and violent arrests. The gathering was organized by the Free DC Project, which called on President Donald Trump to “end the occupation of DC” and withdraw the National Guard troops stationed in the capital.
During the march, demonstrators chanted phrases such as “Free DC” and obstructed traffic along key streets. The National Guard has had a prominent presence in D.C., with the Army extending their deployment through November. This extension follows a previous 30-day deployment that was authorized by Trump in August, which he claimed was necessary to combat crime, neglect, and disorder in the nation’s capital.
Trump has previously asserted a commitment to “take our capital back” and restore law and order, and his administration has indicated that similar troop deployments could be implemented in other cities, including Chicago and New Orleans. Earlier, a similar contingent of National Guard troops was dispatched to Los Angeles.
This protest marks one of the largest organized demonstrations in response to the federal troops’ deployment since their arrival in Washington, D.C. Many attendees turned the event into a community gathering, featuring musical performances, including “Welcome to DC” by Mambo Sauce and “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar. A yoga class also took place in the park, drawing about 20 participants.
The visible presence of U.S. Park Police members, dressed in black tactical uniforms, contrasted markedly with the casual attire of the demonstrators, further highlighting the tension surrounding the event. The demonstration’s underlying sentiment appears to derive from a reaction to Trump’s previous statements regarding the perceived need for federal oversight and control within the city.
As the situation evolves, the implications of the National Guard’s presence in Washington, D.C. continue to grow in complexity, reflecting a broader national conversation about law enforcement visibility, community safety, and federal intervention in local governance. With the next phase of troop deployment set to continue through November, the ongoing protests signify a critical response from residents concerned about their communities and the manner in which they are policed.
Experts suggest that the current debate over the National Guard’s role in Washington D.C. illustrates significant divisions in public opinion regarding federal intervention in local matters. Many citizens now actively seek changes not just in how federal agencies approach their cities but also in the broader dynamics of civil rights, public safety, and community trust.
The “We Are All DC” protest highlights ongoing tensions in American society, reflecting crucial questions about governance, autonomy, and the relationship between federal and local authority. As protests continue, it remains to be seen how these communities will respond as they seek to reclaim their streets and ensure equitable treatment under the law.
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Additional Resources
- The Washington Post: We Are All DC March
- Reuters: Washington DC Residents Protest Against Trump’s Troop Deployment
- Fox 5 DC: We Are All DC March
- CNN: We Are All DC Protest
- AP News: Washington DC Protest Against Trump
- Wikipedia: National Guard of the United States
- Google Search: We Are All DC March
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
- Google News: Washington DC Protest September 2025
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
