Mixed response in Chicago to attack on Syrian chemical weapons facilities

CHICAGO (Fox 32 News) - Protesters gathered in Chicago Saturday in opposition to President Donald Trump's decision to bomb Syrian chemical weapons facilties.

But there is local support for the airstrikes from Illinois' two Democratic senators. Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Tammy Duckworth both questioned the president's authority to attack another nation without congressional approval, but agreed that the international community had to do something.

Some Syrian Americans in Chicago said they are glad the United States is trying to do someting to end chemical weapon warfare, and they hope the Trump administration comes up with a comprehensive plan.

"There has to be a time to intervene, to stop the bloodshed and to end the conflict  or more lives will be lost," said Suzanne Akhras of the Syrian Community Network.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois) said the goal of the airstrikes was to end Syria's use of chemical weapons, not to remove the Syrian president from power or become entangled in that country's civil war.

"I think it's important to remember that we were able to do it with no casualties of Syrian people," Kinzinger said.