Council adopts resolution condemning unauthorized U.S. military actions in Venezuela; Brown abstains

The Richmond City Council adopted a resolution condemning what sponsors described as unauthorized U.S. military actions in Venezuela and calling for an immediate end to U.S. military occupation or control of Venezuelan territory.

Mayor Martinez (and Vice Mayor Robinson as co-sponsor) introduced language that "condemns the U.S. military strikes, occupation or occupation-like control of Venezuela, the unlawful killings and abductions of Venezuelan nationals," and called for the return of the constitutional president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and the first lady, Cilia Flores, where the resolution text states those names.

Public speakers were split. Juan Reardon urged the council to vote in favor, calling the attacks "serious crimes against Venezuela" and appealing to Richmond's large Latin American community. By contrast, Mark Waspberg defended recent federal actions and criticized those urging condemnation. Online callers (including Tarnell Abbott and Elsa Stevenson) urged the council to adopt the resolution and described U.S. actions in the region as "piracy" and dangerous.

After council discussion, Council member Brown recorded an abstention; the remaining members voted yes and the resolution passed. The city clerk was directed to transmit copies of the resolution to federal officials named in the text.

The resolution text, as read aloud during the meeting, included requests that the U.S. Congress assert its authority and that the city clerk transmit copies to the president, the secretary of state, the secretary of defense, the speaker of the House and the majority leader of the Senate, and the city's federal representatives.