Local community members and legislators react to US assisted bombing of Iran
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Both local legislators and community members have shared mixed reactions to President Donald Trump's decision to aid Israel in attacking Iran on Saturday morning.
On the morning of Saturday, Feb. 28, the U.S. assisted Israel in bombing Iranian military and government buildings, which has led local legislators and community members to both support and oppose the President's decision.
More than 200 people were killed, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during Saturday's attack.
On Saturday afternoon, demonstrators from the Party of Socialism and Liberation (PSL), Punks for Liberation and the Richmond Liberation Center protested the attack at the Maggie Walker Memorial Plaza located near W. Broad Street.
"Yet again, Trump has proven that he is a president who seeks global domination and imperial expansion. Shame!" said a PSL organizer.
"We shouldn't have our government giving our tax dollars that could be going to social programs and to jobs and health care to another government on the other side of the world that is insistent on committing genocide and destroying all of its neighbors," said Adam Malinowski-Liu, who serves as director of the Richmond Liberation Center.
Virginia Republican Congressman John McGuire defended the U.S. involvement and said the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran could cost millions of lives.
"The United States is acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapons to protect American interests at home and abroad and to stand with those who desire a more peaceful and stable future," McGuire said.
However, Virginia Democratic Senator Mark Warner said Iran was not an immediate threat.
"What is the goal that is worthy enough to potentially start another endless war in the Middle East? I believe it's incumbent for the president to make the case — the American public and Congress about what our goals are," Warner said.
The strikes overseas had been planned months prior, according to ABC News. There have been no serious injuries from any U.S. personnel reported.
