Protesters: democracy is under threat

Demonstrators pack the area near the Mount Kisco train station at the No Kings protest June 14. It was one of some 2,000 rallies across the U.S. to demonstrate against the actions and policies of the Trump administration. Robert Cummings Photo

Part of the estimated crowd of about 1,500 people at the Mount Kisco train station June 14. Robert Cummings Photo

State Sen. Pete Harckham spoke to attendees.

Actor Carrie Coon of Pound Ridge addresses the crowd.

Local No Kings rally draws large crowd

By MARTIN WILBUR

An estimated crowd of at least 1,500 people jammed the area near the Mount Kisco train station on Saturday protesting President Donald Trump’s administration, and the threat they feel it poses to American democracy.

The June 14 rally was one of about 2,000 No Kings demonstrations across the country organized by progressive groups to warn the nation of the growing specter of authoritarianism as the administration has ignored court orders, deported people without due process, handcuffed a U.S. senator and deployed the military to Los Angeles, Calif., to police the public.

“We Overcame a King Once Before, We Can Do It Again” and “No Kings, No Fascists, Either,” read a couple of the signs held by the boisterous but peaceful crowd as it listened to passionate pleas from speakers to make sure their voices are heard at protests. Citizens were urged to contact elected officials, organize rallies and write letters to the editor. Some in the crowd were dressed like clowns and other members of a circus.

“People, democracy, is under the biggest threat in our history. If we don’t do something now, it may very well be too late,” implored Alan Levy, one of the local organizers.

It was the second rally at the Mount Kisco train station in just over two months to protest the Trump administration. In early April, it was the site of the “Hands Off” rally to protest proposed deep cuts to government staff and services that many New Yorkers rely on. It has also been estimated that close to half of the village’s population is foreign-born.

State Sen. Pete Harckham, (D-District 40), said not only is there the potential for cuts in Trump’s tax plan, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” but the rule of law is being trampled in multiple instances.

“We gathered here a couple months of months ago in this exact spot to talk about the cuts that are coming, to the health care of over a million New Yorkers, food assistance to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers for tax cuts for billionaires, and at the time we said it’s going to get worse before it gets better — and it’s getting worse,” Harckham said. “I wish I could stand here and say all is going to be well, I’ve got the magic wand to wave. It’s not, it’s going to get worse before it gets better.”

Before Harckham’s remarks it was announced that Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed early Saturday morning in what authorities are calling a politically motivated attack. Another state legislator and his wife were wounded. Many in the crowd had not heard of the shootings and were stunned to learn of the violence.

Actor Carrie Coon of Pound Ridge attended the rally with her husband and two children. She believed that one of the administration’s goals is to expand the definition of an enemy to include members of the population who disagree and challenge them.

She also harshly criticized Congressman Mike Lawler, (R-District 17) who has supported cuts to social services and increased money for detention. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed the House by one vote and was backed by Lawler, although it is running into some headwinds in the Senate.

“That is not an end; that is where it begins, and let me tell you what is in this Big Beautiful Bill that Mike Lawler sent up to the Senate,” Coon said. “This Big Beautiful Bill includes $45 billion to expand detention in the United States, and if you think that’s just for immigrants, then I’ve got a property in Mar-a-Lago to sell you. Because when they redefine the enemy population, everybody who goes against the regime is vulnerable.”

A message sent to Lawler for a response Monday went unanswered.

The 17th Congressional District, (includes all or parts of Rockland, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties) which Lawler represents, is one of just three districts in the country that has a Republican congressman that Democrat Kamala Harris won in last year’s presidential election.

Organizers said one of their goals was to get as much of the community involved in fighting back, not just the usual activists. Levy said he saw a broad cross-section of the community, older adults along with younger families and students.

“We need every one of us to talk to our families, friends, our neighbors and our representatives, including those who don’t agree with us and those who are too afraid to speak up,” said Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce (D-District 2). “We need to remind each and every one of them that we are a proud democracy, and with that comes responsibilities. We stand up for the voices and rights of our citizens and for everyone here that due process and a strong division of powers are at the heart of our very nation.”

Those in the overflow crowd came from throughout Westchester and Putnam counties to register their displeasure and concern. Michelle Piccolo Hill of Cortlandt was motivated to attend because of what she believes is the questioning of freedom of speech and last week’s episode where U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was pushed to the ground and handcuffed for attempting to ask Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem a question.

“To show my children you need to stand up for what’s right, and what’s happening right now in our nation is not right,” Piccolo Hill said of her top reason for attending. “Our rights are being taken away daily. Every day seems to get worse and I think it’s important to peacefully go out and voice our opposition to what is actually happening.”

Deborah Nilson, an attorney from Bedford, said erosion of the rule of law and immigrants being shipped to El Salvador without due process has been alarming.

“It feels more urgent than ever,” she said. “We’re at a breaking point with our government leaning heavily toward fascism.”