Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside congressman Andrew Garbarino’s Patchogue office on Friday afternoon, voicing frustration over what they see as his failure to address key national concerns.

Among the crowd, concerns about the country’s future ran deep.

“I feel there’s no heart in the government as it stands today,” Kathleen Cino, 65, of Patchogue, said.

Anne Roden, 71, of Blue Point, echoed Cino’s sentiment, expressing her frustration with the state of politics.

“I’m extremely disheartened and sick to my stomach about everything that’s happened in this election,” she said. “I’m worried about my children and children’s children.”

The protest, held at 31 Oak Street, centered on Garbarino’s perceived silence regarding President Donald Trump’s actions, recent budget cuts, and foreign policy shifts.

Speakers at the rally urged attendees to remain engaged and take action. Rob Lubin, a 30-year-old Democratic politician, called for unity.

“When things are wrong, we will call them out,” he said. “That is why you are all here today, because you are here to make a statement.”

Many protesters criticized Garbarino for his lack of accessibility, arguing that he has not been present for his constituents. Skyler Johnson, 24, pointed to the outdated office listing as an example of his absence.

“Welcome to the office of congressman Lee Zeldin,” he said, noting that online searches still showed the space as belonging to Garbarino’s predecessor. “That is because Andrew Garbarino has never once stepped foot into this office.”

Garbarino’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

Johnson went on to accuse Garbarino of serving corporate interests over his district, claiming he was aligned with lobbyists and figures like Elon Musk rather than his constituents.

The crowd’s frustration was evident as chants filled the air. Protesters shouted, “No more secrets, no more lies,” “Garbarino must go,” and “Stand up, fight back.” Many also called for a live town hall, where they could directly confront Garbarino on key issues, including Trump’s alleged overreach into government operations, budget cuts affecting Medicaid and food assistance, and shifting foreign policy priorities.

Support for the demonstration extended beyond those physically present. Cars passing by honked in solidarity, with drivers raising fists and flashing thumbs-up signs, echoing the protesters’ demands for accountability.

Among the demonstrators, Darcy Stevens, of Bellport, wrote in an email echoing the demands of the community.

“We want real answers from [Garbarino] at an in-person town hall. No more platitudes and bland statements,” she wrote.

As political tensions mount, demonstrators vowed to continue pushing for accountability. “When our democracy is under attack, what do we do?” they chanted in unison. “Stand up, and fight back!”

Mariam Guirgis is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.