United States: Thousands of protesters gathered in downtown Seattle on Saturday, holding placards and chanting slogans as part of a nationwide 'No Kings' rally ahead of the November midterm elections.
Demonstrators filled the streets carrying signs while chanting slogans. Retiree Dona Varin, 69, said ICE actions had “contributed to the fear of the immigrant population”, adding that “this is not the country that I grew up in”.
The rally took place as the US prepares for the midterms, in which all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate will be contested.
Workforce development researcher Kathleen Carson said she was hopeful Democrats could win back Congress, urging people to get out to vote and calling for the election of progressive judges to Washington state's Supreme Court.
Healthcare costs also featured prominently among demonstrators' concerns. Dental assistant Olivia Pope said universal healthcare was among her priorities, describing a $48,000 medical bill she received after suffering an injury without health insurance.