On Saturday, during a ‘No Kings’ rally on King’s Beach in Swampscott, a Massachusetts man named Michael Curll allegedly assaulted a supporter of President Donald Trump who was wearing an inflatable Trump costume. The incident, captured on video and shared widely online, has sparked debates about the boundaries of free speech, political expression, and public safety during protests.
The event took place in a town just outside Boston, with protesters gather to express their opposition to what they view as the concentration of power among political leaders. Inflatable figures of Trump were a common sight at the rally, with some attendees using them to symbolize their disdain for the current administration.
According to reports, Michael Curll, 36, ran up behind the man in the costume, identified as Jonathan Silveira, and allegedly kicked and tackled him from behind. The confrontation was recorded by Silveira’s girlfriend, Angela Mazariegos, who posted the footage online shortly after the incident.
Swampscott Police Department Sergeant Brendan Reen confirmed to Fox News Digital that Curll pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was released on personal recognizance, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for December. The police report, obtained by Boston 25 News, detailed how Curll hooked Silveira’s legs and wrapped his arms around his neck, knocking him to the pavement.
Silveira, who held an American flag while dressed in the inflatable suit, told Boston 25 News that he simply