Philadelphia saw a mix of celebration and protest on Sunday as residents reacted to news of a U.S. military attack on Venezuela and the capture of its president, Nicolás Maduro.
President Donald Trump announced the attack in a post on his Truth Social platform at 4:21 a.m. Saturday. During a press conference later that morning, Trump said the United States would take control of the country.
The announcement sparked strong and divided reactions in Philadelphia and around the globe.
“Trump’s actions give the green light to Putin to do whatever he wants in Ukraine and beyond,” said Philadelphia activist Mary Kalyna. “On what moral ground can the US object when they are doing the same thing?”
Kalyna helped organize a “No War in Venezuela” emergency vigil on Sunday outside the Unitarian Society of Germantown church at 6511 Lincoln Drive in Northwest Philadelphia.
There was also a gathering at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, which called for peace and unity in the wake of the U.S. attacks.
"We make a firm call for peace, calm, harmony, and non-confrontation," the local nonprofit Casa de Venezuela said in a statement. "We call for caution and patience, and we express our hope and faith in the restoration of democratic order."
The bilingual nonprofit organization — which states its purpose is to advance the cultural heritage of Venezuela throughout the Delaware Valley — added: "We accompany this historic moment with prudence, solidarity, and hope, convinced that unity, prayer, and mutual respect are now more necessary than ever."
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Democrat who represents parts of Philadelphia, wrote on X, "The American people want affordable housing and health care. The last thing they want is another costly forever war."
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican, said in a statement: "The only country that the United States of America should be 'running' is the United States of America."
State Sen. Nikil Saval, a Democrat from Philadelphia, sharply criticized the move, calling the attack and detention of Maduro “criminal acts of terror” and urging Congress to move forward with impeachment proceedings against Trump and members of his cabinet.
Others voiced support for the president’s actions, including both of Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators.
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman posted on X: "Grateful for our U.S. military personnel that handled these orders in Venezuela with precision. I maintain that we have the STRONGEST and MOST LETHAL military in the world—today proves that even more."
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick also praised the operation on social media, writing: "Congratulations to @POTUS and his team and to our brave troops for this flawlessly executed mission to remove the illegitimate dictator Nicolas Maduro."
Maduro is currently being held at a New York detention center and is awaiting a Monday court appearance.
