Milwaukee protesters rally after U.S. strike in Venezuela and capture of president
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- After the U.S. carried out a strike in Venezuela and announced it captured President Nicolás Maduro, people here at home took to the streets.
One of those protests happened Saturday afternoon, Jan. 3, in downtown Milwaukee.
More than 80 people gathered at Red Arrow Park after the U.S. announced it launched a strike in Venezuela and captured Maduro.
The demonstration was hosted by the ANSWER Coalition.
Organizers said they see the U.S. action as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
“It’s immoral, it doesn’t benefit Americans and it doesn’t benefit working Americans, only a handful of capitalist and rich oil companies,” said Samantha Doucas with the Party for Socialism and Liberation. “Americans believe that and we’re ready to act.”
Some protesters said they believe the decision puts Americans at risk.
“This put a target on Trump’s back and frankly every American in office and every person in a position of power,” said State Rep. Ryan Clancy, who represents Milwaukee’s 19th Assembly District.
President Donald Trump has said the U.S. plans to temporarily run Venezuela, a move protesters said they think is wrong.
“It is totally unacceptable to go into another country and take somebody out based on the mere charge that was levied in a U.S. court,” Rep. Clancy said.
Doucas also criticized the idea of the U.S. running another country. “It’s ludicrous to suggest that we can run another country,” she said.
Protesters said they plan to hold more demonstrations in the coming days.
“We stand here proudly to say that we will be in these streets,” said Casey Serrano with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. “We will make the United States ungovernable because we say now and forever - no bombs in the air, no boots on the ground.”