May Day protesters drive around Olympia, demand free rent

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Demonstrators on bicycles and in cars made their way to Olympia on Friday demanding free rent during the coronavirus pandemic.

The honking was conveying a new message during an annual May Day event in a once-in-a-century pandemic.

“People should not be forced to live on the street where they’re going to be vulnerable to this coronavirus,” said one demonstrator, Orion Canning.

He was joined by about 45 other protesters.

With unemployment continually rising, the people at the demonstration say money should not have to go to landlords when people are losing jobs.

“There’s a lot of people that are threatened (with) losing their homes, and it’s these things happening that they have no control over," Canning said.

Rather than hold a normal rally, the group held a protesting parade throughout the streets of Olympia with signs taped and messages painted on cars.

They drove around town honking and rallying while trying to keep their space.

“It’s important that we do social distancing and not gather in large groups,” said Kay, a union worker who came to the demonstration. “It’s time that workers come together and support each other for affordable housing.”

Demonstrators say they shouldn't have to pay back landlords once the pandemic is done. But for property owners, that could lead to even greater issues.

“They’re trying to make a point at the expense of a regular guy trying to make a living,” said Matt Bolin, an apartment owner in Seattle.

According to Bolin, some of his tenants are participating in rent strikes, and he says that could negatively affect more people than just himself.

“It ends with a lot of bankrupt people and a lot more people on the streets,” Bolin said.

But, that didn't stop the cars.

“I don’t know what it’s actually going to accomplish but I really hope that people take notice and more people get involved,” said Canning.

Officers in six police cruisers kept an eye on the protest.

Once it finished, people made their way to the Capitol to join other protests happening outside its entrance.