Many attendees told the Swampscott Tides they came to Humphrey Street on Saturday morning to stand against what they see as the country “losing our democracy.”

Alix Smullin, wearing American flag earrings, quipped that her fight for democracy began in 1968.

“I’m here because we are in danger of losing our democracy,” Smullin said. “There really can’t be anything more important for anyone who considers themselves a patriot of the United States of America than making sure our voices are heard.”

About 450 people turned out in Swampscott for the second iteration of the “No Kings Rally,” as people dressed in costumes, held signs, and chanted from Phillips Street down to Mission on the Bay in protest of President Donald Trump.

“It just goes to show you people don’t like what’s going on with this country, and they want to be heard,” said Michael Paquette, who organized Saturday’s event. 

The Swampscott rally was one of roughly 2,500 held nationwide this weekend. Organizers of the “No Kings” protests said they were pushing back against “authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of democracy.”

Since returning to office, Trump has fulfilled campaign promises such as clamping down on illegal immigration with ICE raids, pardoning people who took part in the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol, and making countless federal cuts. Most recently, Trump commuted the sentence of former Rep. George Santos who was previously convicted of wire-fraud and identity theft. He submitted an emergency request to the Supreme Court to allow a National Guard deployment in the Chicago area, and the president also announced the U.S. is in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, characterizing suspected traffickers as “unlawful combatants.”

“Democracy, women’s rights, the First Amendment: it’s important stuff that we’re losing,” said Barbie Smith, of Lynn. “My daughter has less rights than I do, and that makes me furious.”

Smith, dressed in a frog costume with her face painted green, held two signs: “Frogs yeet fascists in the USA!” and “Resist, I have frogs everywhere.”

“Small hands, small feet, all he does is lie and tweet,” Smith said. 

Wanda G. came with her family because she never expected the president could “destroy the rule of law.”

“This is a nightmare I never thought would happen,” Wanda said. “It’s disheartening to think it has.”

Katelyn Bradley and Cathy Kalpin stood on Humphrey street with their family as well because “We’re obviously losing our democracy and we can’t just “sit back.”

“I think it’s important for people’s voices to be heard,” Bradley said. “The more we do the more difference we can make. I want my kids to know we are doing something of importance.”

Melissa Perroni also brought her child because “it’s just so important for them to learn to use their voices for good.”

“Donald Trump has got to go and all of his clowns too,” said Kathleen Smith, who was protesting nearby. “They see they don’t have the support in the country when we gather like this.”

There was a small counter protest as well. A truck was parked nearby at the beginning of the No Kings Rally with an American flag and a window sticker of Trump giving the thumbs up while wearing a red Make America Great Again hat. 

“We’re showing our guys support,” said Jonathan Silveria. 

Silveria, dressed in a Trump costume, was assaulted during the event. A Swampscott Tides reporter witnessed a man pin Silveria against a beachside railing and kick him. The attacker was arrested, according to the Swampscott Police Department.

“It’s just sad that it’s come to this, that two people can’t have a conversation,” said Angela Mazariegos, who was with Silveria. “We even want the same things. We want drugs off the street. We want to end homelessness.”

Paquette told the Swampscott Tides that people like Silveria and Mazariegos have the same right to be on Humphrey Street protesting as those within the No Kings Rally.

The rally will continue in Marblehead on Saturday at 4 p.m. A group protests outside of Town Hall every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. as well.

“It continues to make a difference,” Paquette said. “It’s not just a one time thing. There’s a tide that’s turning. It’s not a waste of time.”

Jill Borten, who is one of the people that protests each Thursday, said it is a privilege to be able to come out and that she hopes more people join in the fight.

“Popular resistance is crucial to fighting what’s going on, the disintegration of rights,” Borten said. “This is an urgent time.”