Second ‘No Kings’ rally draws hundreds in Gainesville

Cora P. Roberson Park was occupied with peaceful protesters during the No Kings Gainesville protest. The turnout hasn't been recorded yet, but estimates suggest a larger turnout than the June protest
Cora P. Roberson Park was occupied with peaceful protesters during the No Kings Gainesville protest. The turnout drew an estimated 4,000 people on Saturday.
Photo by Tim Rodriquez

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.

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“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.

Protesters riding in the back of a vehicle with flags at the No Kings Gainesville Protest
Photo by Tim Rodriquez Protesters riding in the back of a vehicle with flags at the “No Kings” Gainesville protest.
A large prop depicting Trump as a king is hoisted and paraded around the street during the No Kings Gainesville protest 2
Photo by Tim Rodriquez A large prop depicting Donald Trump as a king is hoisted and paraded around the street during the “No Kings” Gainesville protest.
The only counter-protester, who only wished to be named as _Ted_, can be seen weilding a Trump flag at the No Kings Gainesville protest
Photo by Tim Rodriquez The only counter-protester, who only wished to be named as “Ted,” can be seen wielding a Trump flag at the “No Kings” Gainesville protest.
A One Piece_ flag is flown at the No Kings Gainesville protest. The One Piece flag has become a symbol of freedom and rebellion for Gen Z-led protests against corruption and authoritarianism
Photo by Tim Rodriquez A “One Piece” flag is flown at the No Kings Gainesville protest. The One Piece flag has become a symbol of freedom and rebellion for Gen Z-led protests against alleged corruption and authoritarianism.

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Dave

Hundreds? There were way more than hundreds! No incidents (that I saw). A textbook pretty perfect rally. A Love America Rally.

Susan Mickelberry

Thousands is more like it. One person at the press tent said around 2500.

Roger Graves

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.

Ken Zeichner

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.

Bill Whitten

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.

Farmer

It looked like a bunch of disgruntled democrats, that live off the peoples backs.
America= Love it or get out, elections have consequences!!

Ron Fago

Sore loser much?

realJK

They must be upset at losing their “vital” funding and NGO tax shelters. 🤡💩

Ron Fago

Aww, snowflake got triggered, just like your boi Trump did.

Vicki

Please get your facts straight! There were thousands at Saturday’s rally, not a couple hundred. Really sad reporting…

ThomasPaine

Yes we need a king. CHRIST IS KING,always.

Loy-USAF,Ret

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.👏👏👏👏