US military veterans arrested at Capitol protesting Iran war

WASHINGTON, United States (MNTV) – Around 60 U.S. military veterans and family members, including some with visible disabilities, were arrested at the US Capitol on Tuesday while staging a disciplined protest against the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, with many dressed in military fatigues and carrying banners reading “End the War on Iran” and “We Can’t Afford Another War.”

The veterans gathered in the rotunda of the Cannon House Office Building, holding a flag-folding ceremony to honor service members killed in the war and those who might die if hostilities resume.

Several held red tulip flowers in memory of Iranians killed since the conflict began on February 28.

Approximately five dozen protesters were arrested by Capitol Police for civil disobedience.

Mike Prysner, executive director of the Center on Conscience and War, said before his arrest that more than 100 service members had already begun filing as conscientious objectors — troops who refuse to participate in a war they consider immoral.

“This war is already deeply unpopular and it is already a crisis for the Trump administration,” he said.

“If even more stand up, we have a real chance of deepening this crisis for Trump in a way that forces them to pull back from this war.”

Veteran Tyler Romero told fellow troops: “This is the most important historical moment of our lifetime, and what you choose to do matters. Continuing to help the war machine will only cause you more pain.”

The protest was organized by a coalition including About Face, Veterans For Peace, Common Defense, Military Families Speak Out and other organizations.