‘Stop the U.S. war machine’: Richmonders condemn military intervention, potential escalation in Venezuela

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Chants like "No boots on the ground. No bombs in the air. U.S. out of everywhere" and "Childcare not warfare" echoed along Broad Street Saturday afternoon as central Virginians rallied against potential U.S. escalation in the Caribbean.

The demonstration comes after the Trump administration has floated talks of air strikes to control drug smuggling and what it called "armed conflict" with drug cartels several times.

At around 1 p.m., residents took to the streets, gathering at the Maggie L. Walker Memorial Plaza to condemn military intervention in Venezuela. Protestors said millions of lives could be at risk if tensions continue to escalate.

Between September and October, President Trump justified at least five of the strikes and said they were drug-smuggling-related.

"Every boat is saving 25,000 lives and you can see it. The boat gets hit, and you see that fentanyl all over the ocean. It's like floating in bags. It's all over the place... We're saving tremendous amounts of lives," he said.

But many, including the Party for Socialism and Liberation in Virginia, are skeptical of this plan. Critics said it's about something else.

"It's obvious that this war is merely another attack by the U.S. to arrest control of Venezuela's oil," said Noah Miller with the organization.

Others questioned why federal dollars are going overseas.

"Our children's educations are being underfunded. Our students are behind. Families are struggling with rent, healthcare and basic needs," said Sophia Barbieri, an educator with the Richmond Public Schools.

Lawmakers across the country have since made efforts to limit military power.

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine and other legislators on Thursday, Dec. 4, introduced a bill that looks to prohibit federal funds going toward military force in Venezuela without Congress's approval.