On Wednesday, President Donald Trump addressed the nation and said Iran appeared to be “standing down” following Tuesday’s ballistic missile strike on two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops.
That same day, residents took to the streets of Chapel Hill in a peaceful vigil to speak out against the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran.
Emily Keel from the Triangle Women’s International League for Peace and Justice said the vigil was about letting community members know they have a voice in this situation.
“We’re here today because we’re fearful that the President is going to escalate this conflict with Iran into a full-fledged war,” Keel said.
The situation in Iran escalated following a U.S. airstrike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Trump authorized the strike and Iran vowed to get revenge. However, it appears that the ballistic missile strike did not result in any American or Iraqi casualties.
Speaking from the White House, Trump said that the U.S. would immediately place new sanctions on Iran until “Iran changes its behavior.” He also defended his targeted killing of General Soleimani and said Americans should be “extremely grateful and happy” with the outcome.
The scene from Peace and Justice Plaza in Chapel Hill. #Iran #IranAttacks pic.twitter.com/fILz3UqYhH
— WCHL & Chapelboro (@WCHLChapelboro) January 8, 2020
At Peace and Justice Plaza in Chapel Hill, residents held up signs that read “Stop The Killing” and “War is NOT the Answer.” Dozens of people showed up to support the vigil, peacefully holding up signs for UNC students and drivers to see.
Keel said the vigil hoped to spread the message that the community would not tolerate conflict with Iran.
“It’s important for people to get out in the street and let [President Trump] know — and our elected officials know — that we will not tolerate that. We are opposed to any aggressive action against Iran.”
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