JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With thousands of protests planned across the country on Saturday, Jacksonville officials urged residents to keep the protests peaceful.
The protests are part of a nationwide organized event dubbed “No Kings,” against President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to the event’s website, the protest is a “nationwide day of defiance.”
On June 14—Flag Day—President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else.
No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like.
We’re not gathering to feed his ego. We’re building a movement that leaves him behind.
The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us. We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it.
On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.
"No Kings" website
Anita Hoppenstand said she plans to rally this weekend.
“You’ve got to, you’ve got to speak out. We are not happy with the way the country is being run right now,” Hoppenstand said.
Local and state law enforcement have been vocal about their stance. Law enforcement said it will honor the right of every person to peaceful protest, but will not condone anyone breaking laws.
This week, Gov. Ron DeSantis warned protesters that “the line is very clear” and that law enforcement would be ready to act. He also said that Florida drivers have the right to hit protesters if they feel threatened.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the agency is ready to respond to Saturday’s protests.
“As it pertains to your questions - the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is well-prepared for Saturday’s planned protests. Our agency supports and respects Americans’ constitutional right to peacefully protest. However, any conduct outside of the law will not be tolerated, so that JSO can provide for the safety and security of all Jacksonville citizens,” JSO wrote in a statement.
Mayor Donna Deegan’s office also urged all residents to protest in a “safe and calm manner.”
“The City of Jacksonville is expecting peaceful protests in Duval County, and we are urging all participants to exercise their constitutionally protected rights in a safe and calm manner. Local, state, and federal partners have worked collaboratively on preparation plans that ensure public safety,” the mayor’s office wrote in a statement.
Clay County Sheriff’s Office Communications Media Relations Manager Ben Ryan said the agency “is aware of a planned protest” in the community on Saturday.
“Our agency supports the constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations. Criminal activity will not be tolerated and will be addressed swiftly. We are committed to maintaining a lawful and orderly community. Deputies will be in the immediate area to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” Ryan wrote in a statement.
St. Johns County Sheriff’s also sent out a statement.
“SJCS supports the First Amendment right to protest for all citizens. The organizers have voiced their commitment to a peaceful assembly and additional law enforcement resources will be available to ensure the safety of attendees and others traveling in the area of the planned events.”
Hoppenstand said she is optimistic the protests in Northeast Florida will remain peaceful.
“Our whole family, they are are visiting from Atlanta they are going to find a protest to go to to,” she said. “It’s gotta be done.”
Organizers said they expect close to 1,000 participants at the protest planned for the intersection of Beach and Hodges boulevards, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday.
At least two other protests are planned Saturday in Northeast Florida:
- From 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Blanding Boulevard and Kingsley Avenue in Orange Park
- From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. outside the Duval County Courthouse in Downtown Jacksonville
“My advice to anyone, my children, my loved ones, my friends - anyone; would be grateful in the moment, obey the law. Obey the commands of folks wearing law enforcement garment because these moments have a tendency to very rapidly escalate. That’s not good for anyone,” Attorney John Holzbaur said.
News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney talked about how peaceful protests could escalate.
“You may have thousands of people there who are completely intent on peaceful protest to let their voice be heard to let their position stand, either one side or the other, and its that one person or couple people that start getting in their and for whatever reason other people seem to follow that,” Hackney said.
It’s a similar message from officials across the region. NAS Jax sharing this post on social media that said in part:
“These are expected to be peaceful protests but historically incidents of violence are caused by out-of-state protesters who may disrupt the gatherings. Be aware of your surroundings!”
Hackney said he is hopeful the protests will stay peaceful.
“You just hope Jacksonville and the Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia area isn’t ground zero for anything more violent, more than just that peaceful protest,” Hackney said.
