A group of about 15 people laid down near the checkout area of a Publix on University Drive in Parkland at 4 p.m. for 12 minutes Friday.
"Shows Publix hey this is an issue, people have an issue," said Faith Ward, a protestor. "You're going to be losing consumers and losing profits if you don't do something."
The die-in was part of a boycott of Publix after the grocery store chain donated half a million dollars to Adam Putnam's campaign for governor. Putnam is a supporter of the National Rifle Association.
"Publix is family to me. I stop by once or twice a day. I'm going through grief and loss because I don't feel right stopping at Publix anymore," said Rev. Patrick Rogers, who also participated in the die-in. "And I can't because I can't live with that."
Publix employees did not intervene in the die-in.
"The tragedy affects so many people here and I want to show my support," said Remi Ramos, who also laid on the floor of Publix Friday. "I don’t live in Parkland anymore, so when I come back, I want to do everything I can to show that I’m still a Parklander and I support everyone here."
Students who don't support the Publix boycott also attended to share their own views and learn about those of the protestors. They asked questions while the supporters laid on the floor.
"We came here just to talk to people who have opposite views from us and listen to what they have to say and they can listen to what we have to say," said Hunter Dubois, a student at Stoneman Douglas High School.
"I wanted to hear the other side of the debate too. I don’t agree with them, but I can respect them doing what they think is right," said Charles Reed, also an MSD student.
