A peaceful student walkout in Blaine turned tense Thursday after an adult confronted protesters and police escorted her from the scene. (PNW Daily)
BLAINE, Wash. — A student walkout in Blaine on Thursday, Feb. 12 remained peaceful until an adult woman entered the scene, confronted students and was later escorted away by police after a physical altercation.
Students gathered during school hours for a planned protest and walkout, similar to events at other schools across the state and country. Witnesses described the demonstration as orderly. PNW Daily streamed the protest live on TikTok as students held signs and remained near sidewalks and designated areas.
Students pressed the crosswalk buttons and waited for the light to change at the busy border intersection near the truck crossing into British Columbia.
Adult enters protest, confrontation escalates
According to multiple witnesses, an adult woman who was not part of the student group stopped near the protest area, waved a flag and began yelling at students. She then stepped into the roadway and briefly disrupted traffic. Witnesses said she waved the flag toward the students in a way that escalated tensions.
Several witnesses said the woman began swinging at students during the exchange.
One adult at the scene told PNW Daily the woman struck at least one teenage girl. The adult pointed to what appeared to be a red hand mark on the side of the student’s neck and face.
A parent also commented on one of the videos:
“My oldest and I were there watching my youngest protest,” the parent, who identified herself as Lizz, wrote. “We saw that lady swinging on the kids.”
The woman, who later identified herself to PNW Daily as Valerie Sellers, asserts her hands never left the flagpole.
“You said I assaulted two students! I never let go of my flagpole” Sellers said. “I was there for a peaceful protest and the students attacked me immediately. Screaming profanity. Such as “Fuck you bitch” Why didn’t you put that in there? I was only saying I SUPPORT ICE! They were vulgar and violent. I am an AMERICAN! YOU ARE A WANNABE JOURNALIST WITH NO DOUBT.”
Nothing in PNW Daily’s reporting or videos on social media ever state that Sellers assaulted two students. We had no idea a second assault was included in police questioning.
Other adults and student organizers stepped in and attempted to de-escalate the situation.
Police respond and restore order
Officers arrived shortly after the confrontation began. Police restored order and escorted the woman to her vehicle.
Several witnesses noted similarities to disruptions at recent student protests in Ferndale and other Washington communities, where outside adults have inserted themselves into youth-led events.
The walkout continued after police intervention. Students later dispersed without further incident.
This is a developing story. PNW Daily will update as more information becomes available.
****EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was edited to include the interview with Valerie Sellers.
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Hmm….then why do we hear a student yell – do not be physical? Wasn’t he talking to the students? What were they doing? And why were they following and surrounding her? Seems that you are encouraging these students .