No kings protest and open carry rally draw crowds

At least one thousand people gathered Saturday morning on the Ocala downtown square for the “No Kings” protest, a peaceful demonstration that participants said was aimed at protesting what they believe to be rising authoritarianism and political division in the United States.

From 9 to 11 a.m., protesters lined the sidewalks holding handmade signs as passing cars honked in response — some in support, others not. At one point, a couple, while waiting in traffic in front of protesters, both raised their middle fingers toward the crowd along the sidewalk. Protester Eileen Vanderloo smiled and responded, “I love you.”

When asked why, she said her message was simple.

“Because we’ve got to stop being separated,” Vanderloo said. “This isn’t about red versus blue. This isn’t about somebody being evil. We’re all in this together, and we all have to live together. So let’s live for each other instead of for the elites.”

Another demonstrator, Cynthia Mickell, questioned the city’s decision to permit the protest so close in time to the Open Carry Celebration, which was setting up on the square as the No Kings event was underway.

“It felt like an intimidation tactic,” Mickell said. “Why would the city permit both events almost back-to-back in the same space?”

To manage pedestrian safety, the city of Ocala installed temporary fencing along the square and Silver Springs Boulevard to separate protesters from traffic. City officials also diverted vehicles from circling in front of the Hilton Garden Inn because of the large number of pedestrians gathered on the corners.

Ocala Police Chief Michael Balken confirmed that there were no arrests during the protest.

Participants said they came to express concern about threats to democracy and to encourage peaceful civic engagement.

Longtime resident Mark Register attended with his wife, Karen Register, who arrived in a wheelchair while recovering from a fractured leg. It was her first protest.

The couple said they joined the event because they felt the country had changed from the one they grew up in.

“The America now is not the America I grew up with,” Karen Register said. “It’s not what our forefathers fought for, and it can’t continue. Everything about it is wrong.”

Mark Register said he was motivated by what he sees as an erosion of the rule of law.

“I’m against fascism, and I see it. It’s obvious to me,” he said. “Just the lack of support for our rule of law — it’s unbelievable.”

Some demonstrators wore costumes. One dressed as the Pillsbury man carried a sign reading, “Make America Sweet Again.” Another wore an inflatable frog suit with a sign that said “No Kings.”

A woman was on horseback carrying a Gadsden flag — a yellow banner depicting a coiled rattlesnake above the phrase “Don’t tread on me.”

Despite a few heated conversations erupting among bystanders, the No Kings protest remained peaceful throughout the morning, marked by signs and chants.

OPEN CARRY CELEBRATION

By Andy Fillmore, [email protected]

People openly armed with holstered handguns and carrying rifles on slings attended an event on the Ocala downtown square on Oct. 18 but no one seemed alarmed, even law enforcement.

The event, hosted by Open Carry Florida, celebrated a Florida court ruling in September which found that a ban on the practice of carry firearms — openly or concealed — by citizens over 21 without a felony conviction and within other guidelines was unconstitutional.

Andy Hallinan, a Second Amendment advocate for 15 years and founder of Open Carry Florida, carried a 9mm Sig sidearm.

The Second Amendment of the US Constitution states: A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

“Anytime you have laws that restrict us less, it’s a good thing. I value every life equally and open display (of a firearm) shows everyone ‘I’ve got your back,’” Hallinan said.

Hallinan, who is involved in weapons instruction and training, said even if an attempt was made to remove all guns in America, crime would still continue.

“We’d like to arm the good guys so the bad guys are outnumbered,” Hallinan said.

John Hymes wore a .40 caliber handgun. He stated he is a military veteran and has worked as an armed guard.

“Get training,” Hymes advised inexperienced gun owners.

Don Boyd wore a .223 caliber AR15 pistol.

“I was one on the last gunfighters at Six Gun Territory in 1984,” Boyd said.

Six Gun Territory was a recreation of an old west cowboy town, which included mock gun fights in the town’s Main Street.

Boyd, retired from his job with the U.S. Air Force as Director of the History and Heritage program at the Pentagon, called the ban on carrying firearms “unconstitutional.”

“We’ve been living under an unconstitutional law since 1987,” Boyd said.

One booth doing a brisk business during the event was selling T-shirts that read “right shall not be infringed,” which is a partial wording of the Second Amendment.

Jim Misky wore an M-4 .223 rifle.

“I believe in my rights. For open carry, for Trump,” Misky said.

Louie Ricardo, a local truck driver, wore a 9 mm Walther pistol. He wanted to
show the public “how civil (gun advocates) are” and they’re not “Neanderthals.”

Meanwhile, some by-standers gave their views on open carry.

A young woman who identified herself as “Jade” said “stricter laws” are needed on gun ownership and that she does not believe in open carry.

Micheal Headberg was shot four times at point blank range by a person on drugs using a .45 caliber military style pistol about 40 years ago in Miami when he was age 17. He was hospitalized for almost three months, suffered organ damage and lost part of one lung.

Headberg said he occasionally carries a pistol for self-defense but feels “we live in a society which celebrates violence.”

Headberg feels some  open carry proponents don’t know or don’t consider the physical and emotional impact of gun violence.

“Carrying or using a firearm is a huge responsibility and possibly a liability,” Headberg said.

No Kings Protest and Open Carry Celebration

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