Philadelphia Anti-American Protesters Cheer Death of US Soldiers in Shocking Footage
Anti-American demonstrators gathered in Philadelphia and openly vowed to celebrate the deaths of United States military personnel, according to disturbing video evidence that has emerged this week. The footage, captured by independent journalist Frankie Scales and posted on Tuesday, shows a masked speaker inciting the crowd with extreme rhetoric.
"Bring the United States to Its Knees"
The central speaker, whose face was obscured, urged those assembled to do "everything in our power to bring the United States to its knees." His inflammatory comments grew more graphic as he declared, "For every US military base that crumbles and for every US soldier who returns home in a casket, we cheer." This statement prompted a wave of loud applause and approval from the surrounding anti-American protesters.
Praise for Designated Terrorist Organizations
During his fiery speech, the masked individual went on to explicitly praise several groups designated as terrorist organizations by the US government, including Hamas and Hezbollah. "These popular voices on the ground spend every waking moment in direct confrontation with Zionism," he asserted. "And they rely on a strong Iranian state to maintain their fighting capacity."
Following his remarks, the speaker was confronted by journalist Frankie Scales, who directly asked him if he hated America. The protester's chilling reply was: "May a Hamas rocket blow up your family's home."
Journalist's Account and Protester Tactics
Scales provided further context to the Daily Mail on Thursday, stating unequivocally: "The protesters were advocating for the destruction of the United States of America." He added that the speaker's words exposed the true intent of the demonstration, arguing, "They aren’t concerned with human rights. Their goal is to tear down the West and the United States of America."
The journalist reported hearing "many chants about how US soldiers should be killed and the United States should be destroyed," but noted a complete absence of any mention of the thousands of Iranians killed by the Islamic regime they appeared to support.
Scales also detailed aggressive attempts by protesters to obstruct his reporting. "They followed me, yelled into my microphone, formed human walls to impede my freedom of movement, and even spit on me," he told the Daily Mail.
Nature of the Demonstration and Participants
The protest, identified as a "Hands Off Iran" rally, featured participants cloaked in red hoodies and keffiyeh headdresses obscuring their faces. They carried flags with Arabic inscriptions and signs bearing messages such as "Amerika is the head of the snake" and "Right to resist, right to return."
In a follow-up social media post, Scales claimed the demonstration included members or affiliates of several groups, including:
- Indivisible Philadelphia
- Brandywine Peace Community
- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
- The Prayers for Peace Alliance
- CODEPINK
Bipartisan Political Condemnation
The rally has drawn swift and severe condemnation from politicians across the political spectrum. Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman expressed outrage on social media, writing: "Truly appalling. These a**holes chanting for the death of our servicemembers. Where's the Dem outrage and condemnation?"
Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas responded to Fetterman's post, calling it a "Very good Q" and separately labeling the demonstration "sick."
Conservative commentator Laura Ingraham blasted the protesters as "traitors" and suggested "Denaturalization is the only option." Florida Congressman Randy Fine echoed this sentiment, writing: "Each and every one of these Muslim terrorists needs to be denaturalized and deported." Pennsylvania Republican Senator Dave McCormick called the protests "pure evil."
The Republican Party's official social media account also weighed in, stating the event was "absolutely abhorrent" and demanding that "Every single Democrat should condemn this." Attention even came from within the Trump administration's Department of Justice, with Leo Terrell, chair of Trump's antisemitism task force, simply stating: "Get out!!!"
Context and Previous Incidents
This is not the first such incident Scales has covered. He has documented other pro-Iran, anti-America protests in Philadelphia since conflict erupted in the Middle East on February 28. Earlier in March, he posted footage showing a protester appearing to spit a beverage at him as he called for law enforcement intervention, which he described as "The most disgusting thing I have ever experienced."
The Daily Mail has reached out to Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick for further comment on the latest developments.
