HYANNIS, Mass. (Oct. 21, 2025) — Two Cape Cod advocacy organizations are urging local media and law enforcement to address what they describe as bias and under-reporting following an assault on a 77-year-old man during a peaceful protest in Hyannis over the weekend.
According to Cape Cod Women for Change and Mid-Cape Indivisible, the incident occurred on Saturday, October 18, after the groups concluded their “No Kings” rally at the intersection of Main Street and Barnstable Road. Witnesses said a motorist exited his vehicle and allegedly assaulted the elderly participant, identified only as Mr. Smith, as he crossed the street following the event.
The suspect, Peter Afouxenides, 61, of Arlington, was arrested at the scene and charged with assault and battery on a person over 60, a felony offense, according to police.
“Violence has no place in political discourse — ever,” said Kim, an organizer with CCWFC/MCI. “This was a joyful, respectful, and nonviolent gathering. To see an elder attacked while leaving such an event is heartbreaking.”
The organizations say they are disappointed by both the Cape Cod Times’ limited reporting of the incident and the Barnstable Police Department’s description of the rally in its official report.
In a statement, the groups criticized the newspaper for giving the assault “only a passing mention, buried in a single sentence,” arguing that the lack of detailed coverage minimizes the seriousness of the attack and “sends a troubling message that political violence is tolerable or unworthy of scrutiny.”
They also took issue with parts of the police report, which they say mischaracterized the peaceful demonstration as “loud and chaotic,” despite the fact that the event had concluded about 30 minutes before the assault occurred.
“The biased tone of the report risks undermining public confidence,” the statement said. “It contributes to a growing permission structure for aggression against citizens lawfully engaging in protest.”
The groups also objected to language in the officer’s summary that appeared to empathize with the suspect, noting the description that “traffic frustration” may have contributed to the attack.
“Traffic and frustration aren’t excuses to assault anyone,” the statement continued. “Mr. Afouxenides made a choice to use his fists. He chose violence.”
Cape Cod Women for Change and Mid-Cape Indivisible reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful civic engagement and called on both law enforcement and the local press to ensure accurate, balanced, and transparent coverage as the case moves through the courts.
“Peaceful protest is a constitutional right,” said Kim. “When law enforcement reports or local coverage mischaracterize civic expression, it undermines public trust and discourages people from speaking up.”