More than 200 anti-war protestors gathered outside the U.S. Consulate in Toronto on Saturday.
It comes following the death of top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike early Friday near the Iraqi capital’s international airport.
Organizers say Iranian Canadians are feeling tense after the targeted killing and what could happen next.
“I think people are scared. People have been scared for years,” said Saman Tabasinejad, one of the organizers of the “No War With Iran” rally.
“That death symbolized an act of war and aggression.”
Protesters from all walks of life participated in the rally, hoping to send a message to U.S. President Donald Trump to not support another war.
“I hope there will be no war,” one protestor said with tears.
But in a surprise moment, the protest for peace on the streets of Toronto became hostile. Frustration was palpable with protesters pushing one another, some angry with those who are not in support of the targeted killing of Soleimani.
Police presence was heightened during the event, which lasted about two hours.
In addition to calling on the Trump Administration to not support acts of war, anti-war protesters hope the Canadian government will do the same.
“I’m calling on them to condemn these attacks by Trump and de-escalate the situation,” Tabasinejad said.