Protesters in New York have denounced the Trump administration's policies and called for an end to military action against Iran, saying that the government has plunged the U.S. into a dark period of its history.
Thousands of demonstrators marched through Manhattan, New York City on Saturday afternoon in a massive anti-war rally, with protesters demanding an end to U.S. military action in the Middle East. Near Central Park, crowds gathered holding placards and chanting against the widening conflict.
According to U.S. media reports, more than 3,000 related demonstrations took place across the country on the same day, with New York City serving as one of the main gathering cities for the coordinated anti-war movement.
The crowd's ire was directed at a class of ruling elites that they say are making themselves rich at the expense of everyday Americans.
"My overall sentiment is that I'm extremely sad, disappointed. I don't know how we got here. This is not the America I am used to. I can't sit home and just watch this. I have to participate and try and right the wrongs that is happening in this country," said Angie Nolan, a teacher.
"I wish I had more faith in the American government right now. It's one of those things where for quite a bit of time we were told not to believe the government. Now we're believing everything the government says, no matter what it is, and it's kind of a bad place in American history, is what I believe, and I think we can get out of it, we just need enough people committed," said Brad Landon, an accountant.
Many also expressed frustration with the political divisions that have led to repeated government shutdowns and accused the Trump administration of waging war as a ploy to distract the public.
"Without a doubt, it's the worst I've ever seen it in my 66 years. It's a society of me, me, me," said Joseph Kirkpatrick, a senior education worker.
"I think this is all about trying to do things so that we don't talk about the things that are really important, like how much things are costing and how long it takes to get through airports and affordability of housing," said Jennifer Abrahams, a nurse.
"I hope it's resolved soon, but I really think that it's going to get worse. This is part of the reason for today. We need to keep speaking up, we need to stop this unjust war," Nolan said.
"Everything is going up, the price of milk, fruit and vegetables, everything is more expensive than before," said Margarita Morales, a local vendor.
Susanne Bowles, a local teacher, said that the government launched the war solely for economic interests.
"So, what's the real deal? It's all about the money. It's all about controlling the other countries. It's all about always taking somebody else's resources. And I wish this war would stop," she said.
The demonstrations came in the wake of joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Tehran and several other Iranian cities on Feb. 28. The attacks killed Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with senior military commanders and hundreds of civilians.
Protesters in New York express strong distrust in US war rationale
