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The statement drew loud applause from those gathered, underscoring the intensity of the sentiment on display.
The same speaker went even further, openly expressing support for groups widely designated as terrorist organizations by the United States and its allies.
“Hamas, Hezbollah, Ansar Allah [the Houthis], and all the resistance forces – we celebrate these popular forces on the ground. They spend every waking moment in direct confrontation with Zionism, and they rely on a strong Iranian state to maintain their fighting capacity. Do you hate America? May a Hamas rocket blow up your family’s home.”
The rhetoric, delivered without hesitation, stunned observers and quickly spread across social media platforms.
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Scales, who documented the protest, later described the atmosphere as openly hostile toward the United States.
“The protesters were advocating for the destruction of the United States of America.”
He added further details about what he witnessed throughout the event.
“The speaker exposed what has always been true about these protesters,” Scales said. “They aren’t concerned with human rights. Their goal is to tear down the West and the United States of America.”
In additional remarks, Scales claimed that chants throughout the rally repeatedly called for violence against American service members.
He also noted a striking absence of criticism toward Iran’s leadership, despite its well-documented human rights record.
“But not one about the thousands of Iranians killed by the Islamic regime,” he said.
Images and video from the scene show many participants covering their faces while carrying flags and signs written in Arabic. Some banners included phrases such as “Amerika is the head of the snake” and “Right to resist, right to return,” signaling a broader ideological message behind the demonstration.
The rally reportedly included activists connected to several organizations, including Indivisible Philadelphia, Brandywine Peace Community, Prayers for Peace Alliance, and CODEPINK. These groups have been active in anti-war and pro-Palestinian advocacy, though critics argue that some demonstrations have crossed into dangerous territory.
The controversy also reached political circles.
John Fetterman, a Democrat representing Pennsylvania, publicly condemned the demonstration, describing the behavior as unacceptable and deeply offensive.
The incident has reignited debate over the limits of protest, free speech, and national loyalty, particularly when demonstrations appear to glorify violence against Americans.
For many observers, what happened in Philadelphia was more than just another protest. It was a moment that exposed deep divisions and raised uncomfortable questions about how far certain activist movements are willing to go.
As the footage continues to circulate, calls for accountability and further investigation are growing louder, with critics demanding answers about how such rhetoric was allowed to unfold so openly in a major American city.
