Demonstrators and community leaders surrounded New Haven City Hall on March 1, chanting and waving signs in opposition to the current U.S. military airstrikes and conflict in Iran.
Different chants were shouted from the steps of City Hall as speakers addressed the crowds through microphones.
“Raise your voice, take a stand, no more war on Iran!” they said.
Drivers passing downtown New Haven occasionally honked in support as demonstrators waved their signs and fists in a call to end the conflict.
Following months of preparation and military threats, President Donald Trump
authorized “Operation Epic Fury”on Feb. 28. Community organizers were able to mobilize outside the city hall within a day to protest the war in Iran.
The White House framed the operation as a defensive measure in a public statement addressing the American people. Trump said the strikes were to counter threats emerging from Iran.
“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats of the Iranian regime,” said Trump during his statement to the American people.
Many attendees came not only to oppose the escalation of the military conflict, but also to express concern surrounding the effects of war. Speakers mentioned a recent American airstrike that had hit a girls’ school, killing over 100. Participants advocated against the impacts of American imperialism.
Organizers framed the protest as part of a larger movement in organizing citizens of the United States. Speakers from several activist groups addressed the crowd, including members from the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), the Democratic Socialists of America and the ANSWER Coalition.
Andrew Rice, a Democratic congressional candidate for Connecticut’s 3rd District who is challenging State Rep. Rosa DeLauro, said the U.S.’s extensive spending on foreign conflicts reduces resources and funding for domestic programs such as free healthcare and public education.
Rice said every dollar that is spent overseas takes away resources and impacts communities all across the country, while the benefits from the conflict only reach powerful interests.
“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats of the Iranian regime,” said Trump during his statement to the American people.
Norm Clement, a community leader who has been associated with the PSL in New Haven for 18 years, called for organization and the unification of the American people. He also argued against Trump’s justification for the airstrikes.
“I don’t know about you, but I didn’t wake up feeling like Iran was going to attack me,” said Clement. “Who is benefiting? It’s not benefiting me and my neighbors and my community.”
Phill Campbell of Artist Against Apartheid and the PSL urged audiences to remain committed to their interest beyond just the demonstration.
“Commit to building that art of struggle, commit to expanding that creative process of liberation, commit to continuing that beautiful piece of art called freedom,” Campbell said.
As the demonstration continued into late afternoon, demonstrators gathered around the city hall listening to speakers within the communities. Organizers encouraged attendees to stay engaged in conversations about U.S foreign policy and to continue participating in community efforts beyond just this single protest.