The sounds of anti-war chants and speeches echoed around Maggie Walker Memorial Plaza on Saturday afternoon as Richmond activists rallied against the U.S.’ military strikes on boats in Venezuela and any potential escalation into war.

The “No War on Venezuela” rally was organized by the Richmond branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation and drew about 40 participants, with occasional support from passing commuters. 

Richmond’s rally was one of many held across the country on Saturday as part of a national day of action, criticizing the federal government for its actions and calling for community efforts to prevent further violence. 

“We have to be organizing,” said PSL Richmond member and community organizer Adam Malinowski-Liu. “We have to be out on the streets saying absolutely not, we deny another endless war!” 

The rally was held amid increased attention on U.S. military strikes on boats in the Caribbean in 2025, and speakers questioned federal officials’ statements that the strikes were intended to deter criminal activity. 

Speakers also pointed out how similar explanations were given by previous administrations and supported by the Democratic and Republican parties to justify international military actions. 

With ongoing social and economic inequality in the U.S., speakers and attendees said the country’s resources could be better spent addressing domestic needs rather than on international conflicts. 

“The same government that wants war in Venezuela,” said PSL member Sofia Barbieri, “is the same government that spends money on ICE raids instead of housing, that cages children of raising wages. Imperialism abroad goes hand in hand with repression at home.” instead of feeding the poor, that militarizes the police instead 

The rally also included testimonies from immigrants and community members as well as speeches from representatives of the immigrant defense network Richmond Defensa and 50501 Virginia, who encouraged attendees to inform and engage the public on the issue. 

“While we may not see more people here, what we can do as people of the community of Richmond is continue to spread the word, continue to tell people the truth,” said University of Richmond student Chris Melendez.