Protesters stage "die-in" at King of Prussia Mall

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (WPVI) -- While thousands of people tried to squeeze-in some last minute Christmas shopping, demonstrators staged a "die-in" at the King of Prussia Mall Saturday.

Die In demonstrators took over the largest mall on the east coast to disrupt one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Jena MacKenzie of West Chester said, "I think they shouldn't be out there trying to make a stand on something that is supposed to be a fun time. People are supposed to be out having a good time today."

Protesters grouped up and made a stand by lying down in certain high traffic areas of the King of Prussia Mall on this Saturday before Christmas.

Mall security and police were right there as law enforcement set up a staging area in the parking lot before the organized demonstration.

Officers from all over Montgomery County and even the major incident response team were on the scene.

Shopper Gennie MacKenzie of West Chester said, "I'm all for people making a stand but even how they shut down roadways and everything I think that it's hurting more people than the people they're trying to help."

King of Prussia Mall officials said protests on its private property are not allowed and "We are doing everything we can to mitigate any disruptions to the shopping experience our customers expect."

It was also a day of protest around other shopping centers, near Target in Wynnefield Heights and outside 6abc.

Elementary and middle school kids staged a die-in right on City Avenue.

The organizer was 8-year-old Aniyah Ayres. Her mother says she wanted to get involved after seeing other rallies for social justice on the news.

"She kept saying mom I can do this. I want to go. I want to participate. I was just a little fearful because sometimes you never know what goes on," Said Angelia Ayres.

Aniyah teamed up with True Way Youth Empowerment Foundation and invited kids from all over the city.

She said, "I hope kids know that they are the future and that they're lives matter too and we just need more love in the world."