TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - More than 2,500 people showed up to protest Richard Spencer's appearance at UF Thursday.
Law enforcement was everywhere, making sure things didn't get out of control and for the most part, they were successful.
The FSU Police Department says it was a very organized effort that helped keep the peace at a very tense event.
Florida State sent a team of 14, including command staff, to Gainesville. They were assigned to protect a helicopter landing area in case anyone got injured at the event.
Fortunately, the officers didn't have to respond to any incidents there, but the department says it was happy to help keep the peace.
"There's that rivalry in sports, you know, which is really, ultimately a fun thing, but when they saw that FSU had come down to help them, it was really well-received," said Major James Russell with FSU PD. "They were like, 'Wow. Even our enemies are coming to help us, you know?' So, that was really neat to connect on that level and just reaffirm the fact that we are all citizens here in Florida, and we really do care about each -- and we're here to help when help is needed."
The Suwannee County Sheriff's Office also sent a group to Gainesville. Four deputies were assigned to a quick reaction team and to respond to any incidents in the crowd.
