— Community members and allies gathered across Washington, D.C., for a “We Are All D.C.” march protesting the deployment of National Guard and other federal troops to the city, calling for an immediate withdrawal and greater local oversight.
Key Takeaways
- The “We Are All D.C.” national march took place in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 6, 2025.
- Participants protested the presence of National Guard and federal troops deployed to the city.
- Organizers and attendees demanded removal of troops and respect for community safety and civil liberties.
- Photos from the event were credited to Reuters and AFP photographers present at the march.
- Officials and observers have highlighted questions about the scope of the deployment and the legal authority behind it.
- Exact participant counts and detailed operational rules for the troops were not publicly confirmed at the time of the march.
Verified Facts
The march, billed as a national solidarity action under the banner “We Are All D.C.,” took place in multiple gathering points across the city on Sept. 6, 2025, with attendees later assembling at Malcolm X Park and other public spaces. Photographs from the day were credited to Nathan Howard and Daniel Becerril of Reuters and Amid Farahi for AFP.
Demonstrators called specifically for an end to the deployment of National Guard and other federal troops in Washington, citing concerns about militarized presence in neighborhoods and the use of federal forces for crowd management. Organizers framed the action as solidarity with local residents affected by the presence of those forces.
There was a visible mix of families, community groups, and activists taking part; some participants used imagery and signs to emphasize community safety and civil rights rather than confrontational tactics. Reported photography shows a range of scenes, from organized marches to informal assemblies in park areas.
Local officials, federal authorities and march organizers provided statements to media outlets on the day, but publicly available information did not include an official, detailed troop count or a comprehensive operational plan for the deployed units.
Context & Impact
The deployment of National Guard and federal troops to Washington has been a politically charged subject in 2025. The presence of those forces in the capital has sparked debate over the balance between security, civil liberties and local governance.
For residents and community leaders, the deployment has raised questions about oversight, transparency and the appropriate use of armed forces in urban settings. Organizers say the march aims both to pressure decision-makers and to draw national attention to local concerns.
Potential impacts include renewed calls for clearer rules governing federal deployments in the District, possible policy reviews at municipal and federal levels, and continued public demonstrations if authorities do not provide additional transparency or modify deployment plans.
“We are marching to demand the withdrawal of National Guard troops from our neighborhoods and to protect our communities’ rights to safety and self-determination.”
March organizers
Unconfirmed
- Exact number of National Guard or federal troops deployed in Washington on Sept. 6, 2025.
- Whether specific orders for the deployment were issued directly by the president or by another federal authority in each instance.
- Any internal rules of engagement or detailed operational plans for the deployed units have not been made fully public.
Bottom Line
The Sept. 6 “We Are All D.C.” march brought renewed attention to the presence of National Guard and federal troops in Washington, highlighting community demands for withdrawal and greater transparency. The protest underscores a broader national debate over how, when and by whom armed forces should be used in U.S. cities; officials and residents are likely to press for further answers and possible policy responses in the weeks ahead.