Politics & Government

Tri-Citians keep turning out to speak up. 1,000+ attend latest protest

Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

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  • Over 1,000 people joined the 'Good Trouble Lives On' protest in Tri-Cities.
  • Indivisible Tri-Cities organized logistics, safety measures and crowd support.
  • Protesters voiced opposition to Trump policies and honored John Lewis’ legacy.

More than a thousand people lined Columbia Center Boulevard on Thursday as part of a series of protests and demonstrations across the country.

The “Good Trouble Lives On” national day of action is described as a response “to the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration.”

It was the latest in a series of demonstrations since President Donald Trump began his second term. The protest have often drawn hundreds in the Tri-Cities, with at least two others involving more than 1,000 demonstrators.

The No Kings Protest was the largest, with more than 2,500 people in attendance.

Good Trouble Lives On

Protesters outside Columbia Center in Kennewick, Wash. on July 17’s “Good Trouble Lives On” national day of action spoke about feeling a need to act, that they were responsible for speaking up and coming together to address their concerns with the direction of the country.
Protesters outside Columbia Center in Kennewick, Wash. on July 17’s “Good Trouble Lives On” national day of action spoke about feeling a need to act, that they were responsible for speaking up and coming together to address their concerns with the direction of the country. Photo by Karlee Van De Venter

Held on the five year anniversary of civil rights activist and U.S. Congressman John Lewis’ death, the protest demonstrated Lewis’ principle of “good trouble,” using peaceful, non-violent, collective action in order to challenge injustice and spark meaningful change.

“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America,” Lewis said in 2020.

Multiple protesters at the “Good Trouble Lives On” demonstration in Kennewick, Wash. on July 17 quoted the late activist and Congressman John Lewis. The protest was held on the five-year anniversary of his death, and emphasized his approach to nonviolent action in order to spark change.
Multiple protesters at the “Good Trouble Lives On” demonstration in Kennewick, Wash. on July 17 quoted the late activist and Congressman John Lewis. The protest was held on the five-year anniversary of his death, and emphasized his approach to nonviolent action in order to spark change. Photo by Karlee Van De Venter

In Tri-Cities, the protest was held along Columbia Center in front of the mall from 5 to 7 p.m.

Like several of the previous protests in Tri-Cities, the Kennewick “Good Trouble Lives On” protest was organized through Indivisible Tri-Cities. Attendees were encouraged to bring water, sunscreen and hats during the demonstration, as temperatures remained in the 90s.

Several protesters at the “Good Trouble Lives On” national day of action demonstration in Kennewick, Wash. called for the release of the Epstein files.
Several protesters at the “Good Trouble Lives On” national day of action demonstration in Kennewick, Wash. called for the release of the Epstein files. Photo by Karlee Van De Venter

Indivisible Tri-Cities also provided water for protesters, an area to cool off with fans and misters, plus a sign-making station. The organization had de-escalation volunteers monitoring the crowd throughout the demonstration, as well as plainclothes officers interspersed among the people in case any issues arose. Protesters were instructed to avoid any confrontation, then find and inform a volunteer in a bright yellow vest.

Several signs at the “Good Trouble Lives On” protest in Kennewick, Wash. on July 17 targeted Representative Dan Newhouse, criticizing his support of President Donald Trump.
Several signs at the “Good Trouble Lives On” protest in Kennewick, Wash. on July 17 targeted Representative Dan Newhouse, criticizing his support of President Donald Trump. Photo by Karlee Van De Venter

Why they’re protesting

Attendees spoke about feeling a need to do something, to speak up against the Trump administration’s actions. Signs mentioned the Epstein files, ICE activity and other immigration-related topics, John Lewis, veterans, Medicaid and more.

Some signs at the “Good Trouble Lives On” protest in Kennewick, Wash. referenced the Epstein files and President Donald Trump’s reported involvement.
Some signs at the “Good Trouble Lives On” protest in Kennewick, Wash. referenced the Epstein files and President Donald Trump’s reported involvement. Photo by Karlee Van De Venter

Volunteers lead chants like “The people united / will never be divided,” “This is what democracy looks like,” and “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Duck has got to go.”

Crowd counts about an hour into the demonstration exceeded 1,200, with more people trickling in consistently.

Among the many topics on signs at the “Good Trouble Lives On” demonstration in Kennewick, Wash. on July 17 were numerous mentions of Medicaid cuts, veterans resources and threats to democracy.
Among the many topics on signs at the “Good Trouble Lives On” demonstration in Kennewick, Wash. on July 17 were numerous mentions of Medicaid cuts, veterans resources and threats to democracy. Photo by Karlee Van De Venter

This story was originally published July 17, 2025 at 8:49 PM.

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