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Over the weekend, San Francisco became a stage for vociferous protests as hundreds gathered to voice their opposition to the Trump administration's recent military strikes in Iran. Demonstrators converged on both Market Street and Embarcadero Plaza, forming a staunch coalition against actions many regarded as provocations of war and violations of international law. Chants of "Hands off Iran" echoed through the streets, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Caught up in the passionate outcry, the Potrero Hill resident and protestor Deliliah Shenk felt compelled to join the march after hearing that "bunker buster" bombs had been deployed in Iran, branding the assault as "totally unconstitutional," as per ABC7 News. Striking a similar chord, Violette Mansour of the Palestinian Youth Movement condemned the U.S. tactics at the anti-Trump rally, asserting that "They did this to make us forget that Gaza is starving and being bombed" in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle.
Speakers from various organizations criticized the funding priorities of the U.S., suggesting that money allocated to military endeavors would be better spent on domestic needs such as healthcare and education. Teanna Tillery of United Educators of San Francisco pleaded for a redirection of resources: "We want health care, not harm. We want teachers, not tanks," she told the San Francisco Chronicle. Amid the discontent, groups voicing support for U.S. aggression also made their presence known, calling for a regime change in Iran, waving Iranian flags to signify their stance.
Despite the gravity of the situation, SFPD reported that the manifestations along the streets unfolded peacefully. Ramsey Robinson from the Party for Socialism and Liberation emphasized the need for visibility and solidarity during these events, saying, "We need to show face and come out in mass and show our administration we're not going to be fooled," in an interview with ABC7 News.
