Georgia leaders, residents react to US-Israel strikes on Iran

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia lawmakers and residents responded Saturday to U.S.-Israel military strikes on Iran, with elected officials on both sides of the aisle offering opposing views on the legality of the action and protesters taking to the streets across the state.

Republican Rep. Buddy Carter released a statement in support of the strikes, saying President Trump acted within his constitutional authority.

“President Trump acted squarely within his constitutional authority to strike Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, responsible for the oppression and murder of thousands of its own people,” Carter said.

Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock opposed the strike, saying the military action put American troops and national security at risk and that Congress was bypassed.

“The United States of America is a democracy and no President has the right to declare war or to drag the nation into war,” Warnock said. “Congress should return to session immediately to debate the use of force as is our solemn duty.”

Protesters gathered in Atlanta Saturday, holding signs calling for an end to violence in Iran and promoting peace in the region.

Atlanta protester Marcone Cangussu said the strikes contradict the president’s stated commitment to peace.

“This has to end, this is not what we fought for, this is not what we stood for and this is not what America should stand for,” Cangussu said.

Sarah Raviani, an Iranian-American whose parents immigrated to the U.S. after the Iranian Revolution in the late 1970s, said she views the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader as an opportunity for freedom.

“For me this moment is deeply personal. I grew up hearing my family’s stories about the Iran they once knew and the freedoms they lost,” Raviani said. She added, “If this is truly a turning point, I hope it leads to an Iran where every child is born into opportunity instead of fear, and where freedom belongs to the entire nation.”