As thousands across the country took to the streets in protest Thursday after the firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, local activists brought the demonstration to Oak Harbor.

Starting at 5 p.m. Thursday, more than 40 people lined State Highway 20 on both sides, near the intersection with Beeksma Drive.

“We are here because the Trump administration crossed a red line,” said Larry Behrendt, one of the organizers and a member of Indivisible Whidbey, a local branch of the nationwide activist group.

That line was the forced resignation of Sessions, who had recused himself from overseeing the investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian meddling in the election and possible collusion by the Trump campaign team. Those present braved one of the first cold, winter-like nights to express their support of the ongoing investigation and protest the appointment of one of its more vocal opponents— Matthew Whitaker.

Whitaker has called the investigation a “witch hunt” and suggested that its budget be severely reduced.

“Our ask is that he recuse,” Behrendt said. “… He’s a partisan. He’s already made up his mind.”

Although larger demonstrations occurred in Seattle and other cities, many of those present said they wanted to demonstrate in Oak Harbor because they hoped others who might feel the same way would see they “aren’t alone.”

Emily Gardner, a resident for a year and half, almost drove to either Mount Vernon or Langley to protest before discovering her own city had a demonstration planned as well.

“It was important to me that I attend,” she said, holding a sign stating ”Trump is not above the law.”

Many present expressed relative surprise at the level of support from both those in attendance and those driving by. However, some of the honks did not seem to be as supportive as others and some chose to shout expletives as they drove past.

This didn’t bother Behrendt.

“The angry shouts are fine,” he said. “If we make people think, even if we make them angry, that’s a good thing.”