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Man in inflatable Trump suit says he was attacked on his way to North Shore ‘No Kings’ rally
The victim was reportedly holding an American flag and wearing an inflatable Trump costume.
A Lynn man allegedly attacked a man wearing an inflatable costume of President Donald Trump while the victim was on his way to a “No Kings” rally in Swampscott on Saturday, NBC10 Boston reported.
Michael J. Curll, 48, pleaded not guilty on Monday in Lynn District Court to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, court records show.
The victim, Jonathan Silveira of Peabody, was holding an American flag and wearing the inflatable costume when he was attacked near King’s Beach, NBC10 reported.
Silveira told The Boston Globe he was going to the rally as a Trump supporter to peacefully “counter protest.”
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Video footage from WHDH, taken by Silveira’s girlfriend, appears to show Curll approaching Silveira from behind, kicking him, then pushing him against a railing and putting him in a headlock.
“He came up behind me and kicked me,” Silveira told WHDH. “I lost my balance and I felt the pressure, but it was more like a push. That’s when I hit the pole. Then he kind of grabbed the railing, so I couldn’t get away or get off him. He was trying to get me to go to the ground, and I wasn’t going to the ground.”
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Curll was released without having to pay bail by Judge Leo S. Fama and ordered to stay away from the victim and attend therapy, according to court filings.
“Your honor, I’d like to apologize,” Curll said at the Monday arraignment, according to WHDH-TV. “I’m sorry.”
Curll’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Another instance of violence occurred at a No Kings protest in Hyannis. An Arlington man is charged with assault after he allegedly punched a 77-year-old protester in the face.
No Kings protests unfolded across the country on Saturday, with millions rallying against Trump’s administration. Boston’s demonstration on Boston Common drew tens of thousands of people, while dozens of smaller rallies took place across Massachusetts.
Curll is scheduled to reappear in court for a hearing on Dec. 2, court records show.
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