They were 10,000 strong in Sanford -- according to city officials -- all demanding justice for Trayvon Martin nearly one month after the 17-year-old was shot and killed.

Supporters joined the Rev. Al Sharpton Thursday night at Fort Mellon Park as he called for the arrest of George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who shot the teen.

They came from all over the country, in packed buses from Atlanta and as far away as Las Vegas, joining Central Floridians with signs, hoodies and bags of Skittles in tribute to Trayvon, who was carrying the candy while returning from the store the night he was killed.

"Trayvon could have been any one of our sons," said Sharpton, addressing the parents in the crowd. "Trayvon could have been any one of us. Trayvon represents a reckless disregard for our lives we've seen too long."

The civil rights leader said enough was enough, and there was probable cause to charge Zimmerman with a crime.

"You cannot defend yourself [with] a pack of Skittles and iced tea," said Sharpton. "Don't talk to us like we're stupid. Don't talk to us like we're ignorant. We love our children like you love yours. Lock him up."

Joining Sharpton were friends, family, lawmakers and Martin Luther King III.

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Sharpton rallies just hours after mother's death

The reverend made the trip to Florida despite the loss of his mother early Thursday morning. Sharpton told his followers on Twitter he would still make the rally because it's what his mother would have wanted him to do.

Friday morning, Sharpton tweeted that he would return to Florida after his mother's memorial services.

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No problems at 'peaceful demonstration'

Despite the massive crowd in Sanford, city officials said there were no reports of any major problems, and very little uniformed police presence.

One officer was seen driving a golf cart on a sidewalk across the street from the rally, and Seminole County deputies pitched in to help with traffic in the area.

But that appeared to be it, and protesters said they think law enforcement was intimidated.

"They're scared, because they know we want an arrest for Zimmerman," said Vickie Health, at the rally.

Sanford police said they expected the rally to be a peaceful demonstration, and did not believe they needed to add extra security.

Emergency crews did respond after a few people passed out after being outside for hours at the event.

During the rally, the crowd raised over $20,000 to help the Martin family.

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Parents: Temporary solution not enough

Martin's parents also spoke Thursday after learning Sanford police Chief Bill Lee agreed to temporarily step down, hoping to restore calm to the city.

They said a temporary leave was not enough, and they needed a "permanent solution" to what happened to their son.

Martin's parents started demanding answers soon after his death on Feb. 26, angry that their son's killer had not been arrested, and calling for an investigation into the Sanford Police Department.

Zimmerman has claimed he was acting on self-defense.

The case has quickly gotten worldwide attention, and simultaneous rallies were held Thursday as far away as Pittsburgh, Toronto and even Australia.