Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for Alachua County just days before white-nationalist Richard Spencer is set to speak at the University of Florida.

Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell requested the state of emergency.

“We live in a country where everyone has the right to voice their opinion, however, we have zero tolerance for violence and public safety is always our number one priority,” Scott said in a statement.

Earlier this year, Spencer spoke in Charlottesville where brawls broke out and a woman was killed during a racial protest. Scott and Daenell want things to be as safe as possible.

“This executive order is an additional step to ensure that the University of Florida and the entire community is prepared so everyone can stay safe,” Scott said.

Spencer is speaking at UF on Thursday Oct. 19. The university is spending around $500,000 for security.

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