Westword's Wild Week in D.C.: Queer Dance Party, Women's March, Riots

During the six days that I spent in Washington, D.C., covering President Donald Trump’s inauguration, I found myself in the middle of some striking situations – from the historic Women’s March on Washington to an intense riot that destroyed four city blocks of the nation’s capital and caused upwards of $100,000 in damage.

By Chris Walker

January 25, 2017

Image: Colorado Pride at the Women's March on Washington.

Colorado Pride at the Women's March on Washington. Photo by Chris Walker

What happens on the ground matters — Your support makes it possible.

We’re aiming to raise $17,000 by August 10, so we can deepen our reporting on the critical stories unfolding right now: grassroots protests, immigration, politics and more.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$17,000

$3,700

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "23668565",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "23853568",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17242653",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "24956856",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17676724",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

During the six days that I spent in Washington, D.C., covering President Donald Trump’s inauguration, I found myself in the middle of some striking situations – from the historic Women’s March on Washington to an intense riot that destroyed four city blocks of the nation’s capital and caused upwards of $100,000 in damage.

Keeping tabs on Westword cover boy Jason Flores-Williams in D.C. also proved fruitful; the Denver attorney caused his fair share of mischief, gaining national news coverage when he announced that he'll defend some of the suspects behind the January 20 riots, which resulted in 230 felony charges under the federal riot act.

Find links to all my “D.C. Dispatches” below, including my firsthand account of the riot.

click to enlarge

Security barriers near the White House.

Photo by Chris Walker

January 17
While Locals Hunker Down, Outsiders Pop Up in Washington

click to enlarge

Photo by Chris Walker

January 18
A Queer Dance Party in Front of the Home of VP "Daddy Pence"

click to enlarge

There were both pro- and anti-Trump shirts on sale, many designed to infuriate the other side.

Photo by Chris Walker

January 19
As Crowds Grow, So Do Concerns About Clashes Over Trump

click to enlarge

Anarchists gather at Logan Circle.

Photo by Chris Walker

January 20
The Inauguration Mayhem Starts — and Leads to Riots

click to enlarge

Photo by Chris Walker

January 21
Coloradans Make History at Women’s March on Washington

click to enlarge

Jason Flores-Williams, looking for trouble.

Photo by Chris Walker

January 22
Colorado's Gonzo Lawyer Defends Suspects in Inauguration Riots

Chris Walker is a freelancer and former staff writer at Westword. Before moving to the Mile High City he spent two years bicycling across Eurasia, during which he wrote feature stories for VICE, NPR, Forbes, and The Atlantic. Read more of Chris's feature work and view his portfolio here.

A message from News Editor Thomas Mitchell: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of essential stories and to investigate issues that matter.

Support Today