ORLANDO, Fla. – After police estimated 1,200 people marched against gun violence in the wake of the George Zimmerman not guilty verdict, protesters said their peaceful rally should be a model for other rallies scheduled across the country in the coming days.
[PICS: Rally closes downtown streets | VIDEO: Rally confrontation ]
There were no major issues when protesters marched from downtown Orlando's Lake Eola to the Orange County Courthouse, flanked by police who barricaded streets and blocked traffic during rush hour.
Protesters filled the courthouse plaza, and left peacefully and with purpose. It was rally against gun violence, but the tone was all Trayvon Martin.
Hours after people poured through the streets, Minister Robert Cochran sat with a group of children, to make sure they understood what happened and why.
"They understand what Trayvon went through and what their parents through," said Chochran. "That's why they walked together. That's why they're out here together, in unity, in family."
Despite violent clashes in Los Angeles after the verdict, people in Central Florida said to get justice, there's no place for violence.
"It reminds me of years ago, when I marched with Jesse Jackson in Virginia," said Phyllis Faison. "So once again, we're marching for our rights. This is a beautiful thing, as you can see, no violence, none whatsoever. That says a lot for us."
Martin family attorney, Natalie Jackson, said she supported the rally, and said, "These young people feel that even when they are victims, they are treated like criminals."