Two protests against President Donald Trump’s administration are scheduled for Saturday, June 14 in Gainesville. Both rallies are part of a combined movement called
NO KINGS
, which seeks to mobilize against “authoritarian” policies imposed by the administration. The day will also coincide with Trump’s birthday, the 250th anniversary parade of the U.S. Army, and Flag Day.
Indivisible Hall, a local branch of the national organization that partnered with NO KINGS, will host a peaceful protest at 11 a.m. at Poultry Park at 444 Jesse Jewell Parkway. The other protest, hosted by Indivisible Lumpkin, will be at 3 p.m. on the Gainesville Square. About 150 to 200 people have registered to attend. The Gainesville Police Department says officers will be present at the event.
Dallas Thompson, an organizer with Indivisible Hall, says the local chapter started a few months ago. She reported that 100 to 150 people show up to the organizations bi-monthly meetings.
“We’re gonna show, in number, how many of us are concerned with current administration policies, particularly these recent ICE raids,” she said. “We’re going to have a peaceful protest and show that even in a red county like ours, there is opposition to what’s happening.”
Emilie Cook, another organizer, wants the rally to emphasize how unusual the current administration is. “Traditionally, fascist takedowns have been done with humor, so we’re leaning into the fun of it. We’re having music, crowns that say ‘no kings,’ and a bunch of other silly stuff,” she said.
On May 20, the Facebook post announcing the protest was met with a potentially dangerous comment. An account named Eric Miller warned that “Constitutional Conservatives are armed, and we carry daily.” Miller further threatened to use armed violence against those who “block a road, throw a rock, or decide to (foolishly) square up with one of us.”
Miller’s comment has since been deleted. The account is currently under investigation by the Gainesville Police Department. No further details have been released at this time.
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State leaders warn of crackdown if ‘No Kings’ protests take a turn toward violence
