WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hundreds of residents gathered at the corner of 14th and U streets NW on Thursday evening to protest the federal government’s surge of law enforcement in the city. With the sounds of Go-Go music echoing through the streets, community members came together to voice opposition, call for unity, and affirm their belief that Washington can handle its own challenges without federal intervention.
A Rally Rooted in Culture
The event, organized by Long Live GoGo, blended music, speeches, and chants in a direct response to President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about crime in the District.
“It’s utilizing the percussion in the drums,” said organizer Justin “Yaddiya” Johnson. “It has always uplifted the spirit of the community.”
Go-Go, a genre born in Washington, served as the rally’s cultural heartbeat. The band TOB performed live, inspiring the crowd as residents waved signs denouncing what they called an unnecessary and heavy-handed federal presence.
Opposition to Federal Overreach
Speakers emphasized that the demonstration was about more than music—it was about resistance.
“Every resistance step is a good step,” said longtime resident Dean Hunter. “There’s absolutely no circumstance that would justify this policing invasion of Washington, D.C.”
Another speaker, Ty Hobson-Powell, urged the community to see resistance as a civic duty. “It is the most American thing that we can do—to push back against the overreach of government,” he said. “Now is a moment for D.C. to come together. We are a resilient city, a community-oriented city. We are a city that has its problems, sure—but a city that can solve them all on its own.”
Building Unity in Tense Times
Organizers also focused on the importance of restoring community confidence during a period of heightened tension.
“Right now it’s very important for us to give residents a sense of unity and pride,” Johnson said. “We want to help them understand that they can lean on us.”
The rally underscored the role of grassroots organizations in calming fears, building solidarity, and amplifying voices often left out of federal policy discussions.
Federal Justifications and Local Pushback
President Trump has defended the federal policing surge, claiming it was necessary to restore safety in the city. “This place was emblematic of it… They had horrible crime. It was worse than ever. I think right now it’s better than it has been in years,” he said.
But local leaders and residents strongly disagreed. D.C. Councilmember Robert White dismissed the president’s claims outright. “He’s not based in truth, and I don’t believe a word he says,” White stated.
Hunter, who lives in the neighborhood, said the increased presence of federal officers has done more harm than good. “People aren’t out, they’re not visiting the city. Restaurant attendance is down. This is not good for anyone,” he explained.
Calls for Strategic Resistance
While emotions ran high, speakers emphasized the importance of strategy over confrontation.
“We’re not going to win a fight of aggression,” White told the crowd. “We’ve got to win strategically. People are here to demand that the city is ours and that we need to organize and strategize. I think that is what this moment is about.”
The message resonated with many residents who said they want to show strength without escalating tensions.
Looking Ahead
Thursday’s demonstration will not be the last. Organizers announced that more rallies and protests are planned throughout the weekend, keeping momentum alive and ensuring their opposition to the surge remains visible.
For many in attendance, the rally represented more than just resistance—it was a reaffirmation of D.C.’s cultural identity and resilience. Through Go-Go music and community solidarity, residents sent a message that they do not need federal policing to define their safety or their city’s future.
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