Democratic Florida governor candidate and Winter Park businessman Chris King announced he will be attending a "No Nazis at UF" protest in response Richard Spencer's scheduled appearance, according to a press release from King's office yesterday.

Spencer was at the center of the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville two months ago, which resulted in multiple injuries and the death of 32-year-old Heather Heyers.
In a blog post from earlier today King explained why he feels it is necessary to protest Spencer's appearance. 

"Many have argued that we defeat Richard Spencer’s hate speech by ignoring it. I believe we do not solve problems by turning away and hoping they disappear. Likewise, we do not end racism and bigotry by pretending we can’t hear it or see it. In a time when the leader of our country refuses to condemn these hate groups, we need leaders who will step up and speak out and make it clear that hate and bigotry will not be tolerated in our communities — not now, not ever. So I’m going straight to the source to speak out as loudly as I can.

As we previously reported, Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for Alachua County in preparation for Spencer's speech.



"Prior speaking engagements involving Mr. Spencer at universities in Alabama, California, Texas and Virginia have sparked protests and counter-protests resulting in episodes of violence, civil unrest and multiple arrests," Scott stated in the executive order. "I find that the threat of a potential emergency is imminent."

Spencer's appearance is expected to cost the university about $500,000 to increase security.