As I passed Union Station on a walk, I saw tents with signs and art on the outside calling for an end to fascism and the Trump administration. They caught my attention. So, I decided to talk with two volunteers who were sitting and providing information to any interested passersby.
They explained that FLARE (For Liberation And Resistance Everywhere) has established a 24/7 presence as an organization outside of Union Station since May 1st. This effort is fully powered by volunteers locally and from across the country. They are a nonviolent organization that has recently joined what is known as the “removal coalition,” comprised of 50501, We Are the Flood, and other similar organizations. They all have a unifying purpose: to “impeach, convict, and remove,” Trump. I was also informed of a protest that would take place the following day.
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, I watched as dozens gathered outside Union Station. They were going to march to the Capitol and urge representatives to move towards impeaching Donald Trump and releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files.
“We are not waiting for permission, we are not waiting for the perfect moment… this is the moment,” one of the organizers said in his address to the crowd. He encouraged the participants of the protest to carry themselves with pride before turning the floor over to FLARE’s guest speakers – Comedian Cliff Cash and journalist Jessica Denson.
Cash made light of the relatively small turnout, and told people to bring a friend, or family member to future events and protests. He stressed the importance of optics, and “protests with a point,” like FLARE had organized.
“Nothing you’re doing is more important than this, nothing,” Cash said.
Denson continued to energize the attendants, describing the “unconstitutional nature” of Trump’s very occupation of the White House, and expressing frustration with the complacent nature of Congressional representatives. “Every single one of these people in this building is in redemption territory,” Denson said.
After the speakers concluded, music played, and people began to march towards the Capitol. You can watch the beginning of the march here. Police quickly began to follow the protest as it approached Capitol grounds, but everyone continued to move forward.
FLARE is a completely nonviolent organization dedicated to this cause through in person lobbying, collaboration with other local organizations, direct action, art, and special events and activities in D.C. You can join the initiative by engaging with their social media, @flare.usa on Instagram; emailing contactFLARE@proton.me; or donating to FLARE’s GoFundMe.
Featured image/photo by Tomasz Zielonka on Unsplash.