Times Square protest held over proposed US deal with Iran

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Thousands of pro-Israel protesters packed into Times Square to demand that Congress vote down the proposed U.S. deal with Iran.

The "Stop Iran Rally" has drawn heightened security to the area Wednesday evening as crowds gathered behind police barricades.

Many chanted "Kill the deal!" The United States would agree to lift economic sanctions against Iran in return for measures to prevent the country from building nuclear weapons.

President Barack Obama says the U.S. considers Iran an adversary whose activities will be closely monitored.

The president added that this deal would curb Iran's nuclear program at the same time easing some of the sanctions.

Folks that came out Wednesday are telling Eyewitness News that would be a big and dangerous mistake.

"This Iran deal is, in fact, a crime against humanity. It is the teeing up of a second holocaust for the Jewish people and a crime against humanity for America," said Dr. Ken Kelmer, a protester.

"Iran talks about death to America every single day, as if signing the treaty, not a treaty, it's an agreement. As they are signing it, the ink isn't even dry, and they are holding a major, major mass rally in Tehran screaming 'Death to America.' Do we sign treaties with those who are calling for America's out right destruction?" said Elaine Jacobs, a protester.

At the rally, Alan Dershowitz, a prominent Jewish attorney, said he was "opposing the deal as a liberal Democrat." He said he believed democracy was "ignored" because the Obama administration negotiated the deal without congressional input.

"That is not the way democracy should operate," he told the crowd.

In a statement Wednesday, Rep. Peter King, a former chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said he attended a classified briefing with Secretary of State John Kerry and "is still convinced that this is a bad deal for America."

"It was entirely wrong and arrogant for the Obama administration to submit the deal to the U.N. before Congress voted on it," he said. "It is definitely my intention to vote no on this deal with Iran."

Desiree Soper of Long Island said she was drawn to the protest because she wanted to voice her opposition.

"I don't trust Iran," she said. "They'll find loopholes."

Demonstrators also took note that U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer did not attend the protest, prompting chants of "Where is Chuck?" from the crowd.

Schumer has said he has not yet decided how he will vote. His spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Organizers estimated about 10,000 people attended the event.

(Some information from the Associated Press)