Swampscott Police Chief Calls For 'Peaceful, Non-Violent' Protest

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — More than 40 weeks of often-heated dueling protests between pro-Donald Trump supporters and those supporting social justice causes in the town common and near Gov. Charlie Baker's home have caused uneasiness among Swampscott residents and led to disputes between the police union and town leaders.

With fears some protests may become violent across the country — following the attack on the U.S. Capitol last week and Wednesday's second impeachment of President Trump — Swampscott Police Chief Ronald Madigan is calling on anyone who comes to the town to protest in the upcoming weeks to do so peacefully.

"The town expects that all participants involved in future gatherings will be respectful of each other to ensure a safe event for all those who choose to come to Swampscott to exercise their individual rights," Madigan said in a letter to the community. "The police department has and will continue to work with organizers to maintain public safety during such protests. In addition, the town, and its police department, will also continue to work closely with Massachusetts State Police to maintain public safety during any gatherings that occur in the vicinity of the governor's house."

The protests have led to confrontations between sides and complaints from residents that the town is not doing enough to quell the rhetoric that many feel is often racist and divisive. While town officials have allowed they agree with many of those sentiments shared, they said they are limited in what they can do to restrict protests of specific groups on public property where protests have traditionally been allowed.

"The town of Swampscott and its police department remain committed to strengthening community relationships to create an inclusive, hate-free environment for all residents and visitors," Madigan said. "The town and its police department serve members of the public with decency, respect and compassion regardless of individuals' race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation or political beliefs."

Madigan recently requested an independent review into an arrest that took place during a Dec. 12 protest where a man was charged with attempting to assault a pro-Trump supporter who threw water at him.

Swampscott Police Union Local 417 responded publicly that their reaction was of "the utmost disappointment" in the probe, saying that they enforce all laws impartially and do not act as "judge or jury" when it comes to the validity of anyone's political beliefs.

"While the town of Swampscott is a community that values individuals' decisions to exercise their rights, the town also values public safety and security in our community," Madigan said. "Therefore, the town asks that anyone attending future protests please be respectful of each other for the safety of all attendees, members of the public and police officers at the scene, and hold peaceful, non-violent events."

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

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