Share and Follow
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A wave of protests emerged in downtown St. Petersburg on Saturday evening in response to military actions against Iran, as demonstrators voiced their opposition to the measures taken by both the United States and Israel.
Gathering at Williams Park, dozens of protesters chanted and held signs demanding an end to the military escalation. This protest was part of a larger movement, with more than 80 demonstrations occurring across the country, organized by the ANSWER Coalition—short for Act Now to Stop War and End Racism.
Participants and organizers expressed concerns that the military strikes could escalate into a larger conflict in the Middle East.
Ali Abdel-Qader, affiliated with the Party for Socialism and Liberation Tampa Bay and one of the protest’s organizers, cautioned that the attacks might have catastrophic effects throughout the region.
“We’re organizing this protest because the Trump administration and Israel have initiated an unprovoked war against Iran,” Abdel-Qader stated. “This situation threatens to unleash widespread turmoil, potentially affecting the entire region.”
Some Iranians have voiced support for the military operation, with reports from parts of Iran showing celebrations fueled by what some described as new-found hope for the future.
St. Petersburg City Council Vice Chair Richie Floyd also attended the protest, saying he wanted to show solidarity with civilians affected by the conflict.
“I understand frustration from having a government that you don’t care for,” Floyd said. “But the last thing I want is schools bombed and little girls dead because of that.”
Floyd was referring to claims by Iranian officials that Israeli strikes hit an all-girls elementary school in southern Iran, killing more than 100 children. Those claims have not been independently verified.
Meanwhile, some lawmakers voiced support for the strikes on social media, including Florida Sen. Rick Scott.
“Thank God we have a president that’s willing to use our military in precise attacks to preserve American lives,” Scott said.
Sen. Ashley Moody took to X Saturday and voiced her support:
More Florida lawmakers and gubernatorial candidates on both sides of the political aisle have voiced their opinion on the matter. You can find their responses here.