March for Our Lives event in downtown Orlando draws thousands as gun show held at fairgrounds

ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands marched as part of the student-led March for Our Lives movement in downtown Orlando around noon Saturday, starting at Lake Eola Park and ending at city hall.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina, who is running for Orange County Sheriff, attended the march.

Orlando police officers supervised the event, as well as others taking place in downtown.

“We will have patrols out and officers throughout the downtown core and stadium areas on foot, bicycle, in cars and on horses,” said Michelle Guido, spokeswoman for the Orlando Police Department.

“We don't share specifics, but there will be safety measures that you can see, and others that you will not see. As always, we rely on residents and visitors to be our eyes and ears in the community. Never hesitate to call 911 or flag down an officer if something seems suspicious or dangerous,” she said.

Police estimate that between 15 and 20 thousand people attended the march.

"We are using the momentum and the voices we have right now to really bring light to the subject and register people to vote and get people mobilized," said organizer Trevor Wild. "We are in it for the long haul."

With signs in hand, thousands of people, young and old, marched into Lake Eola park.

"Enough is enough. We've had too many shootings and prayers and thoughts are not doing it," said Ade Yemi, who lives in Altamonte Springs.

Students from UCF said the university has the largest number of students from Marjorie Stoneman Douglas high school, who organized the event shortly after the Parkland shooting.

Also taking place Saturday at the Central Florida Fairground is the Orlando gun show.

The gun show ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and required an $11 entry fee.

"We want to make sure that the person's coming to the show are year because they are general sportsman and people that are coming to the show for the purpose of buying or selling firearms for self-defense," said Jorge Fernandez, a manager at the gun show.

Some of the kiosks were offering discounts to teachers who buy guns at the show.

Cox Media Group