Tampa Protest Against U.S. Military Action in Venezuela Draws Dozens to City Hall
Tampa Protesters Rally Against U.S. Strike in Venezuela
TAMPA, Fla. — A spirited crowd gathered on the steps of Tampa City Hall on Saturday, as dozens of activists, including members of the Tampa Bay branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), voiced their opposition to the recent U.S. military strike in Venezuela. The protest was part of a nationwide antiwar movement that spanned 75 cities, uniting voices against U.S. intervention abroad.
“We know that this is not the end. This is the beginning of something that has the potential to get very, very ugly,” warned organizer Ali Abdel-Qader. He emphasized the group’s stance against U.S. militarism in the region, calling for a shift in priorities. “We’re completely opposed to money being spent on bombing other countries, especially when it could be used for health care, education, housing, and social programs here at home.”
Participants brandished signs emblazoned with slogans like “NO BLOOD FOR OIL,” reflecting a deep concern over U.S. interests in Venezuelan oil. Activist Franki Diaz articulated the sentiment, stating, “This is Venezuelan oil, and it should be for the Venezuelan people. They should decide how to use that wealth, not us.”
The call for self-determination resonated throughout the crowd. Member Jack Hummell asserted, “The Venezuelan people should have the right to determine their future, not the United States. They deserve the freedom to choose their own destiny.”
The Tampa protest is just one of many events aimed at raising awareness about the implications of U.S. military actions abroad. Organizers announced that another demonstration is scheduled for Sunday in St. Petersburg, continuing the momentum of the antiwar movement.
As tensions rise and the situation in Venezuela remains precarious, activists in Tampa and across the nation are committed to advocating for peace and justice, urging the U.S. government to reconsider its approach to foreign intervention.