By Steve Karnowski
Associated Press Writer
Saturday, Oct. 27, 2001; 11:05 p.m. EDT

ST. PAUL, Minn. –– Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on the steps of the state Capitol Saturday to protest the U.S. military response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The rally was among similar events in a number of cities across the nation, including Los Angeles and New York.

Under the banner of "Say No to War, Say Yes to Global Justice," speakers in St. Paul condemned the attacks on New York and Washington, but said the bombing of Afghanistan will not make America safer.

"Terrorism is always, always wrong," said Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, a professor of peace and justice studies at the University of St. Thomas. But he said the attacks should be treated as a crime against humanity, not as an act of war, and that war should not be America's response.

The crowd ranged in age from young children, high school and college students to graying veterans of protests against the war in Vietnam. Organizers estimated the crowd at more than 1,100. But police put the number at 400 to 500.

The protest attracted about three dozen noisy counter-demonstrators, who waved American flags and carried signs accusing the peace activists of being traitors.

"Bin Laden needs a hug," they chanted mockingly.

In Los Angeles, some 700 demonstrators wearing makeup to simulate battle wounds held a peaceful rally to call for an end to U.S. military action in Afghanistan.

The demonstrators convened downtown in Pershing Square, which served as a staging area for protesters at the 2000 Democratic National Convention. Police said there were no arrests.

In downtown Portland, Ore., several hundred protesters both mourned the victims of last month's terrorist attacks and condemned bombing strikes over Afghanistan with a silent vigil and banners.