Florida declared a state of emergency before a white nationalist's speech — and protesters showed up with confetti, high-fiving state troopers

Demonstrators rally before the speech by Richard Spencer, an avowed white nationalist and spokesperson for the so-called alt-right movement, on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, U.S., October 19, 2017.

White nationalist Richard Spencer spoke at UF and protesters attended the speech.
Uplifting messages were written on confetti and spread around the street.
Many people chose to come together and denounce hatred.

Florida governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in advance of a speech at the University of Florida by noted white nationalist Richard Spencer.

It was Spencer's first speech on a college campus since he and other white supremacists participated in the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia that turned deadly.

Aiming to get ahead of any potential violence at UF, the school ramped up police presence on campus and is spending about $500,000 on security for the event.

While the atmosphere was tense at times, it was also peaceful. Many protesters who decry Spencer's message and presence on campus chose to voice uplifting messages.

For example, confetti with heartfelt messages littered the street, and banners were flown touting messages of love.

Plane flies over the Phillips Center streaming a banner that says "Love conquers hate! Love will prevail!" #spenceratUF @TheAlligator http://pic.twitter.com/Si4PakhFDi
— Taylour Marks (@taylourmarks) October 19, 2017

A police trooper gave high fives to protesters.

Trooper high fives protestors coming in. #SpencerAtUF http://pic.twitter.com/EB9daPo1M2
— Paige Fry (@paigexfry) October 19, 2017

And a student whose mom was worried about him wrote a message specifically for her.

UF senior Juan Lozano wrote the sign to calm his mom, who has texted him repeatedly begging him to leave Gainesville this wknd. #SpencerAtUF http://pic.twitter.com/wf5fZVePqQ
— Jimena Tavel (@taveljimena) October 19, 2017

A supportive community came together to lift each other up.

Father John and daughter Faith Donahue are protesting together. It was Faith’s idea, but John says he’s happy to support her. #SpenceratUF http://pic.twitter.com/HUBhoG2Iyn
— Jimena Tavel (@taveljimena) October 19, 2017

Larry Green, a pastor, says he’s not protesting but offering support. People have thanked him, asking for hugs and prayer. #SpencerAtUF http://pic.twitter.com/Z4ZVunCFR2
— Jimena Tavel (@taveljimena) October 19, 2017

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