23-06-2025
Protest held in Albuquerque following US military strike on Iranian nuclear sites
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Protests have erupted across the country following the Trump administration's recent attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, including here in Albuquerque. However, reactions within the state have been mixed, with some leaders asserting that the attack was necessary.
Emotions ran high as dozens of protesters gathered outside the nuclear museum in Albuquerque on Sunday, calling for change and denouncing the president's actions from Saturday as uncalled for and detrimental to peace. Ramona Malczynski, a representative from the ANSWER Coalition, expressed frustration, saying, 'We, especially here in New Mexico, have no money to pay our rent, no money to get healthcare, and we have no money for food. We don't have jobs. So why are we spending trillions of dollars bombing people and killing innocent civilians in Iran when Iran has not attacked us or done anything to harm us?'
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Saturday, the U.S. conducted military strikes against three nuclear facilities in Iran. This protest is one of many occurring nationwide, including in New York, San Antonio, and Chicago, among other cities. Protesters implored the U.S. government to pursue a diplomatic solution before tensions escalate further in an already unstable Middle East. 'Strength in international affairs looks like something else. It looks like being willing to talk. It looks like not deceiving people when you're negotiating and then bombing them the next day. Strength means standing up for your principles,' said Greg Mello, director of the Los Alamos Nuclear Project.
The Trump administration has faced criticism from lawmakers recently regarding U.S. involvement in the Middle East. Earlier this week, New Mexico's congressional delegation, including Representative Melanie Stansbury, Representative Gabe Vasquez, and Senator Martin Heinrich, emphasized that only Congress has the power to declare war on another country, not the president.
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Meanwhile, some members of the New Mexico GOP have expressed support on social media, claiming that the strikes were necessary. State Senator Craig Brandt stated, 'I feel like keeping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and degrading their ability to fire missiles makes us safer today than we were yesterday….Our military follows the orders they are given, so please support our military and commend them for a job well done.'
Sunday's protest organizers announced that more demonstrations are planned for the coming days.
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