Protesters rally against U.S. intervention in Venezuela as Virginians, leaders share mixed reactions

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Citizens and elected leaders are divided over the latest development in the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.

The U.S. forces' actions sparked outrage from two groups who called for protests at separate locations on Broad Street in downtown Richmond.

The Party of Socialism and Liberation (PSL) and the Virginia Defenders on Saturday, Jan. 3, met at the Maggie Walker Memorial Plaza and the Richmond federal courthouse, respectively, to speak out against what they consider an unauthorized war.

On Saturday morning, the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Celia Flores.

Some Richmond protestors on Saturday rallied for Venezuelans and their sovereignty, and chants like "Hey, hey! Ho, ho! The occupation has got to go!" rang out on Broad Street.

"This war is not about drugs. It's not about immigration. This war is about oil," said PSL organizer David Robbins.

Virginia leaders share mixed reactions to US strike on Venezuela, capture of Maduro

According to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Maduro and Flores will be charged with "narco-terrorism conspiracy" and "cocaine importation conspiracy."

President Donald Trump believes Maduro had been a threat by "hosting foreign adversaries" and "acquiring menacing offensive weapons" that could threaten the U.S. He also unveiled plans on Saturday for American oil companies to step into Venezuelan territory.

"We built Venezuela oil industry with American talent, drive and skill, and the socialist regime stole it from us," Trump said on Saturday. "The oil companies are going to go in, they're going to spend money. We're going to take back the oil that, frankly, we should have taken back a long time ago."

People from Washington, D.C. to Las Vegas are simultaneously celebrating the president's move. In Virginia, some like Attorney General Jason Miyares shared their support. Jones on Saturday released a social media statement reading, "Wonderful for the Venezuelan people to see the arrest of their socialist narco-terrorist dictator Maduro."

The Virginia Defenders said they like to plan a "general strike," grinding most of the economy to a full stop. Members of the organization said they believe it may influence the decision-making in Washington.

Other Virginia leaders have also spoken out -- both in support of and against -- the strike.