JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Opponents of President Donald Trump’s administration are set to rally in nearly 2,000 locations Saturday for a nationwide “No Kings Protest” orchestrated by the 50501 Movement.
Events are planned Saturday in cities across Florida, including Northeast Florida, but this week, Gov. Ron DeSantis warned protesters that “the line is very clear” and that law enforcement would be ready to act.
In a news conference earlier this week in Jacksonville, DeSantis denounced the violence in the protests happening on the West Coast and said that won’t be tolerated in Florida.
“Do not even try to shut down the streets (in Florida),” DeSantis said. “We’re going to make sure that you don’t do that.”
The governor said law enforcement will be ready to take the proper measures if necessary.
“We are not going to allow that to happen in Florida. I know people are talking about, ‘Hey, there’s going to be demonstrations around the country.’ The line is very clear,” DeSantis said. “Peacefully talking about what you want to do or what you want to see or having any type of those discussions is fine, but the minute that crosses the line, we’re not going to just sit idly by and let the inmates run the asylum.”
According to current Florida statutes, it is a constitutional right to protest, but there are a few rules to keep in mind:
- It is a misdemeanor to willfully interrupt or disturb schools, religious assemblies, or gatherings for lawful purposes.
- Protests are prohibited within 500 feet of residences, cemeteries, funeral homes, or places of worship during funerals or burials, including one hour before and after the event.
- And it is illegal to advertise that individuals are unwelcome based on their religion in public establishments.
Penalties for violating these laws can include fines and imprisonment.
JSO threat arrest
The weekend’s protests come after the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrested a man on Wednesday who is accused of making threats against protesters on social media.
Zachary Degross, 26, is accused of writing:
“Look as a Jacksonville resident of I see any large gatherings to protest ice I’m going to grab my buddies tow truck and plow through every ignant [sic], un-american swine I see protestong [sic] the deportation of ILLEGAL immigrants, since you believe in them so much why do you go with.”
According to Florida law, it is a felony to make that kind of threat of terrorism online, and JSO said investigators are keeping a close watch for safety concerns this weekend.
“If you are making threats online to harm others, even if you don’t intend to follow through with that action, we will arrest you,” JSO said.
Why ‘No Kings’?
The “No Kings” protests are set to counter what organizers say are Trump’s plans to feed his ego during a military parade in Washington for the Army’s 250th anniversary — which coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday and Flag Day.
“The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,” the No Kings website says. “On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
The Army birthday celebration had already been planned. But earlier this spring, Trump announced his intention to ratchet up the event to include 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks and Paladin self-propelled howitzers rolling through the city streets. He has long sought a similar display of patriotic force.
The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of Americans who say they stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
Protests earlier this year denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the now former leader of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, a government organization designed to slash federal spending.
Protesters have called for Trump to be “dethroned” as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.
“They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services,” the group says on its website, referring to the Trump administration and its policies. “They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.”
Where are the protests?
Protests in nearly 2,000 locations are scheduled around the country, from city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, according to the No Kings website.
No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., however, where the parade will be held. The group says it will “make action everywhere else the story of America that day.”
No Kings plans instead to hold a major flagship march and rally in Philadelphia to draw a clear contrast between its people-powered movement and what they describe as the “costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade” in Washington, according to the No Kings website.
How many people?
The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said.
Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.
What is planned?
People of all ages are expected to come together in the protest locations for speeches, marching, carrying signs and waving American flags, organizers said in a call Wednesday.
The group’s website says a core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with them.
Weapons of any kind should not be brought to events, according to the website.
