PORTLAND, Maine — Protesters around the nation took part in a day of action to support the Palestinian people, as the war between Israel and Hamas rages on.
The protest, called "Shut It Down for Palestine," happened in cities and college campuses around the country.
Niko Hirkins came from the University of Maine at Augusta to help his friends at the University of Southern Maine set up a rally calling for a ceasefire on the Gaza Strip. Those in attendance said the killing of civilians should have more international attention.
"Shut it down for Palestine and show our solidarity with the Palestinian people," Hirkins said.
More than a half-dozen protesters rallied outside the McGoldrick Center at USM, hanging up posters and handing out flyers.
"A huge majority of Americans support a ceasefire," Hirkins said.
But this day of action is not the first time people in Maine rallied to support Palestinian people.
In Bangor Wednesday, seven people were arrested outside Congressman Jared Golden's office after demanding he support a ceasefire.
In Portland on Friday, five protesters were arrested outside Congresswoman Chellie Pingree's office. Portland Police said the arrested were cited for criminal trespassing.
But at the end of the day, the protesters, who were helped by the Maine Party for Socialism and Liberation, wanted to draw attention to the mass casualties taking place across the ocean.
"We are calling for a ceasefire now, end the siege of Gaza," Hirkins said.