Minneapolis, MN – 75 people protested in front of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office near the intersection of Washington Avenue and Interstate 35W in Minneapolis to denounce Trump’s increasing attacks on Syria, Iraq, and the threats against North Korea. The protest came days after the Trump administration launched air strikes against Syrian military air base.
Jacksonville, FL – On Friday, April 7, a Peace for Syria demonstration was brutally disrupted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) in downtown Jacksonville. Community members and activists have wondered about a connection between Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams and Gary Snow, the right-wing counter protester seen in several videos harassing and assaulting the five activists, now known as the Jax5, who were beaten and arrested by JSO despite committing no crime. Gary Snow was not interfered with in any way and was filmed sitting on a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office car after the event.
Salt Lake City protests police violence, calls for DA’s resignation
Salt Lake City, UT – Heavy winds blew and rain fell on Utah anti-police-brutality activists, April 8, but they stood defiant, refusing to let weather dilute their message that prosecutors must drop the ridiculous charges against Abdullahi “Abdi” Mohamed, who was shot and paralyzed by Salt Lake City police last year.
Tampa, FL – On the morning of April 7, President Trump ordered the U.S. military to attack Syria, firing over 50 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Syrian government targets near Homs, Syria’s third largest city. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that only 23 of 59 missiles struck intended targets, with the majority assaulting nearby villages. Syrian media sources are reporting at least nine civilians died in the attack, including four children.
Fort Lauderdale, FL- After the U.S. fired 59 missiles at a Syrian airbase, activists in South Florida came together, April 8, to oppose all U.S. military intervention in that country. A diverse group of 50 activists, from young children to Vietnam War veterans, met outside of the Federal Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale with one simple message, “U.S. hands off Syria!”
Tampa, FL – Around 15 activists and community members gathered to oppose U.S. intervention and aggression against Syria. The protest was in response to the launching of 59 Tomahawk missiles on Shayrat Airbase as ordered by Donald Trump. This attack is the first time the U.S. has directly attacked the Syrian Arab Republic, but is not the first time the U.S. has attempted to overthrow the Syrian government.
Minneapolis, MN – In response to the recent U.S. air strikes against Syrian military targets by the Trump administration, over 200 people joined a Minneapolis anti-war protest on Saturday, April 8.
Salt Lake City, UT – The Utah Anti-War Committee plans to show that Salt Lake City won’t stand by idly while Trump pours gasoline onto the burning conflict in Syria. They’re calling for a protest Sunday afternoon, April 9, to denounce Trump’s missile attack, which has been callously disguised as a humanitarian response to the use of chemical weapons.
Tucson, AZ – Immediately following President Trump’s order to unleash 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles into Syria, the Tucson Anti War Committee called an emergency rally for April 8. Joined by around 30 Tucsonans, the protest demanded: “Hands off Syria!” and “U.S. out of the Middle East!”
New York, NY – Hundreds of protesters gathered at Union Square, April 7, to protest the bombing of Syria. On Thursday, April 6, President Trump launched 59 Tomahawk Missiles into Syria that killed nine people, including four children.
Lufkin, TX – Members of the April Sixth Anti-War Coalition (ASAC) held a ‘Hands Off Syria’ demonstration, April 8, in front of the Ward R. Burke Federal Courthouse in downtown Lufkin. The anti-war activists gathered around the courthouse with signs that read “Hands off Syria,” and “No to war.” They chanted, “What do we want? Hands off Syria!!” and “No justice, no peace, U.S. out of the Middle East!”
Jacksonville, FL – Police launched a vicious attack on a “No war with Syria” rally in Jacksonville’s Hemming Park, this evening, April 7. Eyewitness say at least four have been arrested, and that one protester was beaten so severely that he has been hospitalized.
Minneapolis, MN – An Anti-war Bannering to “Say no to U.S. war in Syria – no escalation of the endless wars,’ is set for Saturday, April 8, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Hiawatha Avenue and Lake Street, in Minneapolis. The action is being organized by the Minnesota Peace Action Coalition.
Chicago, IL – Sarah Chambers is one of the best-known rank-and-file leaders of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). A distinguished, award winning Special Education teacher at Maria Saucedo Academy, her name is a familiar one to politicians, and to the Board of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Photos of her leading protests to defend her students have appeared regularly in the Chicago media, and even in the New York Times.
Meredith Aby-Keirstead of the Twin Cites based Anti-War Committee blasted Trump’s attack on Syria, April 6, stating, “We denounce U.S. missile attacks on Syria. The U.S. should not increase its intervention in Syria. More bombing will not bring back the victims of this recent chemical weapons use. This escalation risks a broader regional war. Israel is considering invading and Russia could respond too. The U.S. is pouring gasoline on this conflict. The anti-war movement needs to respond in full force by demanding an end to U.S. attacks and get its troops out of Syria.” Aby-Keirstead added, “We can't just protest the Muslim ban. We need to protest how our government creates more refugees.”
Los Angles – Angry Chicano parents and children from Marianna Avenue Elementary School protested, April 4, a proposal to place a KIPP charter school on their campus. Parents at Marianna asked Centro CSO to help organize this protest with the parents in leadership. The protest and march started in front of Marianna with loud and furious chants, “What do we want? Public schools, no charters!”
Houston, TX – About 20 people rallied in front of City Hall, April 4, to demand Justice for Alva Braziel and Vincent “Vido” Young, both of whom were murdered by Houston police. They passed out a leaflet to people at City Hall with the photo of the cops that killed Alva Braziel with the title “Wanted for murder.”