The second “No Kings” rally of 2025 drew scores of people on Saturday to Cora Roberson Park in Gainesville to protest President Donald Trump.
Speakers and bands were on hand as protesters gathered in opposition to Trump and his actions since taking office in January. Event organizers said Trump has used Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to “terrorize families,” sent the military to American cities due to “non-existent emergencies,” prosecuted his political enemies and threatened to withhold back pay from federal workers.
Some participants showed up in inflatable costumes, while others had brought signs and caricatures of Trump.
“Why should a serious movement have this silliness? First, joy fuels resilience. Second, bullies hate laughter because their power comes from people fearing them. Just look at President Trump’s vendetta against America’s late-night talk show hosts,” said Jyoti Parmar, North Central Florida Indivisible (NCFI) executive director, in a press release.
The release stated more than 4,000 people attended the Gainesville rally, while approximately 250 attended an afternoon rally in High Springs.
Dozens of tables were available where people could get involved and learn about specific issues and there was a place to give and receive mutual aid to clothe local children. People brought new clothing, shoes, jackets and feminine hygiene products for kids and teens. Organizations from the NAACP to the Sierra Club and the Rural Women’s Health Project ran the tables.
NCFI hosted the event, with co-hosts Gainesville Women for Democracy, Badass Feminists, Democratic Women’s Club of Alachua County, Alachua County Labor Coalition, and many others.
The first “No Kings” event was held on June 14. Gainesville residents held a similar, smaller rally in February at the corner of Main Street and University Avenue. A “Tesla Takedown” rally followed in March, along with others in April and May, including the “International Workers’ Day” rally. In July, a group gathered on West Newberry Road in front of Oaks Mall.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with information from a press release from North Central Florida Indivisible.
Hundreds? There were way more than hundreds! No incidents (that I saw). A textbook pretty perfect rally. A Love America Rally.
Thousands is more like it. One person at the press tent said around 2500.
Channel 6 news in Orlando also reported “hundreds” of protesters in downtown Orlando…when the real total was likely over 10 thousand. Could have filled the Kia center. It makes you wonder if there is an agenda by some “news” sources to under-report the true totals.
More likely around 1,000 or more,with people lining both sides of the street as well as in the park,plus cars blowing hotns with people in support.
I agree. That people were continually flowing in as some early arrivals were leaving may have skewed the perception of total attendance. There were also smaller groups on various street corners around town. The constant stream of drive-thru supporters added to the energy, but likely weren’t included in the estimate.
It looked like a bunch of disgruntled democrats, that live off the peoples backs.
America= Love it or get out, elections have consequences!!
Sore loser much?
They must be upset at losing their “vital” funding and NGO tax shelters. 🤡💩
Aww, snowflake got triggered, just like your boi Trump did.
Please get your facts straight! There were thousands at Saturday’s rally, not a couple hundred. Really sad reporting…
Yes we need a king. CHRIST IS KING,always.
Passed through the area (purposefully) and it appeared to be the same unwashed aging hippies crowd of 25-300 we see at University & 13th every time the country has a huccup. Most looked to feeble to do much harm but it was exactly what I expected. Pretty sad that at their age they still are still suffering from white guilt and not loving their contry.On the flip sidethere were some younger up-and-coming protestors / replacements in the crowd so rest assured there will be entertainment continuing for a few more decades.👏👏👏👏