Protesters gathered in uptown Charlotte to oppose Trump bombing of Iran sites
Dozens gathered in uptown Charlotte on Thursday to protest President Donald Trump’s bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites last weekend, which organizers deem the latest act of U.S. complicity in the violence that has unfolded in Palestine since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel.
The strikes marked the United States’ entry into Israel’s war with Iran, a conflict that began two weeks ago when Israel launched attacks on Iranian nuclear and military sites. But protesters said President Trump’s decision is symbolic of America’s role in Israel’s broader retaliatory military campaign, one that’s killed more than 55,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
“Iran was attacked because Iran has been a longtime supporter of the Palestinian people and the resistance,” said Dana Alhasan, 35. “Iran is not a country that kneels to the U.S. empire.”
The group assembled in Romare Bearden Park shortly after 6 p.m., just barely outnumbering a dozen city police officers stationed in clusters around the area’s edge. The crowd grew to more than 50 people within the hour, many draped in keffiyehs and hoisting Palestinian flags high above their heads.
At 7 p.m., protesters marched towards the tallest building in the city, halting traffic at the intersection of 3rd and South Tryon streets before they reached Bank of America’s corporate headquarters. Chants echoed off the walls of the newly opened McColl Park, many referencing the Trump administration’s recent nationwide immigration raids.
“Immigrants are welcome here,” the crowd hollered. “Refugees belong here.”
The June 22 bombing drew strong reactions across North Carolina, dividing residents between those who condemn the strikes as reckless escalation and those who view them as a necessary blow to the Iranian regime. But for Thursday’s crowd, gathered just minutes from the uptown park where thousands joined a “No Kings” protest the week before, the demonstration was about more than Iran.
“We are sick of the lies our government spreads to justify their warmongering,” said Zachary Thomas, 29, a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. “We must continue to apply pressure and hold our leaders accountable to the blood that is on their hands.”
Some protesters criticized North Carolina’s congressional delegation, which has been largely supportive of the strikes on social media. Several Republican representatives, along with one Democrat, have defended the move as a necessary measure to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Two other Democrats, however, have denounced the strikes as a reckless escalation.
Alhasan, a Charlotte resident born in Palestine, said dozens of locals joined thousands across the country in protesting the bombing Sunday evening. She said the government’s actions don’t reflect the interests of ordinary Americans, but instead cater to conservative billionaires.
“It’s completely disconnected from the masses,” said Alhasan. “We want money invested in our needs, not for war.”
The group called on Sen. Thom Tillis, co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, to back efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to those in Gaza. Several protesters carried stacks of flyers supporting Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill that would require sheriffs to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, handing them out to spectators.
“It’s good to see people fighting for Gaza,” Lara Cornett said as she grabbed one of the flyers. “I’m happy that they’re paying attention and that they have a plan,” added her husband, Horace Williams, as the two watched the protesters pass by.
Two people were arrested during last weekend’s “No Kings” demonstration, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg police used pepper spray on a smaller group that continued marching after the rally officially ended, The Charlotte Observer reported. No arrests were reported Thursday night, but tensions flared as three counter-protesters followed the larger crowd down Tryon Street.
“Take care of your house before you take care of your neighbors,” said Misstery Hensen, one of the counter-protesters. “Why are we not helping our people?”
Several members of Charlotte’s Jewish community joined Thursday’s march, part of what they described as a growing national movement of anti-Zionist Jews.
They rejected the conflation of Jewish identity with support for Israel and expressed solidarity with Palestinians.
“This genocide should not be happening in our name,” said Olivia Wolff, 30, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace. “We will not allow our trauma to be weaponized and used to perpetuate violence.”
As the sun dipped below the city skyline, protesters returned to the grassy park where the march began hours earlier.
Their energy persisted, one person pounding a bucket drum strapped around their neck while another led chants through a megaphone.
“I believe that we will win,” Alhasan shouted to the crowd. “I believe that we will win,” they screamed back.
