PITTSBURGH \u2014 Dozens of demonstrators gathered at Schenley Plaza in Oakland on Saturday evening as part of what organizers called a nationwide day of emergency protests following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.<\/p>\n
Shouts of opposition filled the plaza as protesters held signs and called for an end to military escalation in the Middle East.<\/p>\n
Claire Cohan, who attended the demonstration, said she felt compelled to speak out.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I woke up this morning and saw that we and Israel had bombed Iran, we were the aggressors,\u201d Cohan said. \u201cI was appalled, and I knew I had to speak out against war.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pittsburgh\u2019s Party for Socialism and Liberation joined other organizations across the country in organizing the protest.<\/p>\n
Group leaders called the Trump administration\u2019s actions unlawful.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s both illegal under U.S. Constitutional law, as well as international law. He did not seek any authorization from Congress,\u201d June Wearden with Pittsburgh\u2019s Party for Socialism and Liberation said.<\/p>\n
Organizers said about 50 people attended.<\/p>\n
Several demonstrators said they fear further escalation could lead to a prolonged conflict.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are against this war. They do not want a forever war in the Middle East,\u201d another speaker said.<\/p>\n
The Trump administration has defended the strikes, saying they were necessary for national security and to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.<\/p>\n
Republican Congressman Mike Kelly voiced support for the president\u2019s decision in the following statement:<\/p>\n
\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s decisive military action in Iran once again reinforces his commitment to American security both at home and abroad. Iran has proven time and time again it should not have nuclear weapons. The Iranian regime remains the world\u2019s largest state sponsor of terror and has repeatedly targeted America and its allies for years,\u201d said Rep. Kelly. \u201cIranian leaders should work with U.S. officials to reach a diplomatic deal as soon as possible. God bless the men and women of our American military for their courage, dedication, and commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n
One demonstrator said she hopes Saturday\u2019s protest sends a message to lawmakers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I\u2019m hoping that some of our political leaders will begin to hear that this is not the way we should go,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Organizers plan to hold another protest Monday outside the City-County Building at 6 p.m.<\/p>\n
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