Syria-Related Protests Held Outside White House
WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- Talk of military action in Syria has sparked reaction from across the U.S.---protesters even convening in front of the White House.
Linh Bui reports.
Demonstrators in front of the White House rejected the idea of military action in Syria.
"Take your hands off Syria!" crowds chanted.
They protested in Washington as President Obama announced he's ready to act, but will wait for congressional approval.
"I truly believe that if the U.S. bombs Syria, that it's just going to perpetuate a horrible, horrible bloody war," said Lana Ismail, protester.
Not everyone is against action.
"The U.S. is a superpower. At the end of the day, we have a responsibility to uphold human rights," said Lana Safah, protester.
The protest in D.C. got heated. One pro-air strike demonstrator was arrested for spitting on an anti-war protester.
In downtown Los Angeles, about 200 people pleaded for restraint from President Obama.
"They don't care if Syrians die!" crowds chanted.
"The problems in Syria are for the Syrian people to resolve themselves without foreign intervention. That's the bottom line," said Mike Prysner, protester.
Protesters want the U.S. to help stop the civil war inside Syria without more violence.
"People, they're gonna die no matter what. But don't make it even-- don't make it worse," said Noel Boutros.
The Senate is expected to hold hearings next week. A vote will take place the week of Sept. 9.
