Hundreds of individuals gathered in downtown Ocala to protest President Donald Trump’s administration and policies this weekend, with event organizers claiming it was the largest demonstration ever seen in Ocala.
Hundreds of individuals gathered at the Historic Square in downtown Ocala on Saturday, June 14, as part of the “No Kings” protest, which have been ongoing for several months.
Members of the Ocala Blue Dots, Central Florida Peace & Justice (CFPJ), Ocala/Marion County for Democracy, Marion County Young Democrats, Ocala Demands Action, Republicans Against Kat Cammack, and Marion for Peace lined up and down Silver Springs Boulevard/State Road 40 with signs and shirts protesting the president.
Among the signs were common, anti-monarchy phrases associated with the “No Kings” theme, as well as many references to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Protestors cited recent executive orders signed by the president, tariffs that are “driving the country toward recessions,” and the president’s “lack of criticism of Israel’s ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.”
According to CFJP, many of the participants during the protest advocated Trump’s “impeachment and removal from office for violating recent judicial and court orders.”
The protest in Ocala was among over 2,000 other demonstrations that reportedly took place in cities across the United States this weekend, according to the CFPJ. The protest date (June 14) coincided with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
CFJP claims that more than 1,000 individuals attended the protest, saying it was the “largest demonstration ever seen in Ocala” in a statement.
In light of those riots, the city of Ocala installed fencing along the sidewalk between the square and State Road 40 ahead of the protest.
“The barrier was installed to help prevent accidental falls into traffic and ensure the safety of everyone participating, as well as those traveling through the area,” reads a statement from the city.
On Saturday evening, Mayor Ben Marciano shared a statement expressing his pride in the community for the peaceful festivities.
“Proud of our community for demonstrating a peaceful protest today. It was a great example for the rest of the country. And great job by [Ocala Police Department Chief Mike Balken] and the Police Department for how they handled everything today. Over the last year and a half, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand how great they are, and I do not say this lightly, we haver some of the best men and women working for us at OPD,” reads the mayor’s statement.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: According to two other media outlets (Ocala StarBanner and Ocala Gazette), at least three individuals were arrested during the incident. Ocala-News.com is awaiting confirmation and the associated arrest reports from the Ocala Police Department.