An estimated 2,000 people — ranging from high school students to elderly retirees with walkers — braved sweltering heat during the “No Kings” protest at the Duval County Courthouse to denounce President Donald Trump and his “dictator-like policies.”
Another couple of thousand lined Beach and Hodges boulevards for a similar rally in Jacksonville, and others took place in Orange Park, St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach. Almost 80 Florida demonstrations were slated and more than 2,000 nationwide.
The courthouse demonstrators carrying homemade signs and chanting “Whose government? Our government!” and “Whose country? Our country!” filled the courthouse lawn and steps during the peaceful rally on June 14, the president’s birthday, Flag Day and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
“I need to have a voice. I want to be heard,” a 77-year-old woman told the Times-Union at the courthouse rally. “What I believe is happening is a crime against humanity. … No human is illegal. And hate will never make America great again.”
She carried a large sign reading: “I need to be able to tell my kids I did not stay silent, and SPOKE up for truth.”
No Kings protest in Jacksonville draws thousands to Duval courthouse. See the photos
Trump supporters made their presence known by air and on the street. A small airplane pulling a banner reading “Duuuval for Trump” circled overhead of the Duval courthouse. And a white pickup truck with Trump election flags flanking an American flag drove slowly past the courthouse just outside the one-block safety perimeter set up by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office kept a watchful but unobtrusive eye on the rally. The department’s bike patrol rode by. And a Sheriff’s Office recording was broadcast reminding the crowd that violence would not be tolerated. No arrests or injuries were reported.
“Once again, our city has shown its ability to remain calm while residents express their views and beliefs,” Sheriff T.K. Waters posted on the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Facebook afterward. “Today, our community exemplified for others across the country its commitment to peace while exercising the constitutional rights afforded to every American citizen. … There are no reports of injuries, property damage, or road blockages. Consequently, officers did not make any arrests related to the protests.”
The Orange Park demonstration was also peaceful, Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook posted on Facebook.
“No arrests, no injuries and no issues. … just 500+ people gathering and lawfully exercising their rights. …We appreciate everyone’s cooperation today,” Cook posted.
The demonstrations were held to counter Trump’s 79th birthday and oppose his administration’s policies, including the recent military deployment in Los Angeles after immigration protests against the surge in ICE raids.
Thousands lined up on Beach Boulevard to protest President Trump. See the photos
The scene and message were much the same on the Southside where an earlier similar turnout raised signs and flags and chanted and waved at motorists, many honking their horns, along Beach Boulevard.
“No Trump, no king” and “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Trump has got to go” rang out repeatedly during portions of the rally.
The airplane with the “Duuuval for Trump” banner hovered over as well to show support for the president.
By the end of the day, there didn’t appear to be any ugly incidents involving either side.
(This story has been updated to add a new video and information.)
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: ‘No Trump, no king’: Thousands denounce Trump during protests in Jacksonville
Reporting by Teresa Stepzinski, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
