Throughout the afternoon as the 4 p.m. deadline to clear the Capitol drew close, speakers spoke emotionally about the need for nonviolence.

“I have felt the sting of hatred so deep that it almost ripped my soul in half,” protester Damon Terrell said in tears as he addressed the crowd Sunday. “Those that feel that same anger, that would be torn apart by that same hatred of their fellow man, try one thing for me. Don’t do it. Be stronger than yourself. Rise above your own emotions.”

Rally organizers told protesters who would be willing to be arrested as an act of civil disobedience to move to the first floor of the Capitol. Those who wanted to leave were directed to the ground floor and the State Street entrance.

Those determined to stay were prepared: Many had a lawyer’s phone number written in marker on their arms in case of arrest.

Jean Ross, a nurse from Minnesota and a president of National Nurses United, said she was ready to be arrested Sunday.

“I have a toothbrush, I have a separate pair of underwear, I’ll be fine,” she said. “The fight of the people in this state is everyone’s fight. I think it’s a statement that people really do need to make.”