Multiple rallies held in Clearwater to oppose Stand Your Ground law

CLEARWATER (FOX 13) - Hundreds of people gathered at multiple events in Clearwater to protest Florida's Stand Your Ground law, and to remember the life of Markeis McGlockton. 

McGlockton was shot earlier this month after a dispute over a handicapped parking space. He died a short time later. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri chose not to charge the shooter, 47-year-old Michael Drejka, citing Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground law. 

Residents of Pinellas County, in addition to some public officials, held a town hall meeting to discuss the issues.

Michele Rayner, an attorney for the McGlockton family, spoke to the fired up crowd, demanding Drejka be arrested.

"I will not rest, I will not sleep, I will not rest until and indictment has come."

Also joining the McGlockton's call for change was Andrew Gillum, Mayor of Tallahassee, who says the gun law must be repealed. 

"It puts what ought to be a decision made in a court room into the hands of everyday citizens to make decisions they have no business making."

Drejka told police he shot McGlockton because he feared for his life after being pushed to the ground.

Lillie Henry attended the town hall, she can't believe a shove ended in tragedy. 

"Just shooting and killing a young man that wasn't even armed because he pushed you on the ground? No, that shouldn't happen here, it shouldn't happen anywhere."

In recent days, the shooting has inspired multiple elected officials to speak out. 

Senator Bill Nelson, along with four other lawmakers, signed a letter addressed to Attorney General Jeff Sessions asking for the Department of Justice to investigate the shooting. 

Civil rights activist, and MSNBC host, Al Sharpton announced he was coming to Clearwater next week to protest the death of Markeis McGlockton, according to a tweet from Sharpton’s account.

Sharpton says he is holding the rally in conjunction with National Action Network at the St. John Primitive Baptist Church in Clearwater. It is scheduled for Sunday, August 5th at 4:00 p.m 

Funeral services were held for McGlockton on Saturday.