Holding signs reading “Hands Off Iran,” protesters filled part of Goodale Park as they voiced opposition to the United States getting involved in the attacks.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Demonstrators gathered Saturday in Columbus to protest U.S. military operations and involvement overseas, calling for the United States to stay out of the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Holding signs reading “Hands Off Iran,” protesters filled part of Goodale Park as they voiced opposition to the United States getting involved in the attacks. Their message was clear: they want the U.S. military out of the Middle East.

The demonstration came hours after President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Israel carried out military strikes on Iran.

Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes.

“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” Trump wrote in a social media post. He warned of “heavy and pinpoint bombing” that he said would continue throughout the week and even beyond, part of a lethal assault the U.S. has justified as necessary to disable the country’s nuclear capabilities.

Protesters at the park expressed frustration over the president’s decision.

“We don’t need another endless war, not in Iran, not anywhere in the world, and we really need to start investing here in our communities at home instead of spending money on the war machine,” said Gage Surratt, an organizer of the event.

The attacks have sparked reaction across the country.

RELATED: Ohio lawmakers react to US, Israel strikes on Iran

In a statement, Sen. Bernie Moreno said, “President Trump sought for months to avoid conflict and negotiate with Iran to prevent them from rebuilding their nuclear program. I fully support his decision to eliminate the threat once and for all once it became clear there was no other option.”

According to The Associated Press, at least 200 people have been killed in the attacks as of Saturday evening.

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