The U.S. airstrikes against Iran received mixed responses from community members in Southern California, with some residents celebrating the death of the Middle Eastern country’s Supreme Leader while others condemned the attack, which killed some civilians.
In Westwood, dozens of people gathered Sunday in celebration of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led the country since 1989. Waving Iranian and American flags, demonstrators near the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue voiced support for the airstrikes sent in a joint operation by the U.S. and Israel.
Supporters gathered in Westwood the day prior, celebrating the action and calling for freedom for the Iranian people.
Opponents of the airstrikes gathered in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, denouncing the actions in an anti-war protest. Another anti-war protest was scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. in Boyle Heights on Sunday.
Three U.S. service members were killed and at least five others were injured in part of Operation Epic Fury in Kuwait, according to President Donald Trump. The individuals who died have not been identified.
The airstrikes by U.S. and Israel were deployed Saturday as part of a plan to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapon creations by Tehran. In retaliation, Iran sent missiles and strikes to Israel and U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. As of Saturday evening, more than 200 people were killed and 700 others were hurt, according to Iranian state media.
President Donald Trump released a video on Truth Social commenting on the U.S. service members killed in retaliatory strikes by Iran and providing an update on Operation Epic Fury.