Climate activists protest Trump win, spray orange paint on US embassy in London
Climate activists in the United Kingdom wasted no time responding to President-elect Trump’s re-election win on Wednesday, as they took to the streets of London to protest. Two members of the environmental group Just Stop Oil made headlines by covering a section of the U.S. embassy in orange paint, a bold statement against Trump’s victory.
In a video posted on social media, the activists can be seen spraying orange paint on the embassy’s compound wall, with the vibrant color dripping into the River Thames below. The group cited Trump’s win as a threat to the lives of ordinary people worldwide, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.
Following Trump’s historic comeback victory over Vice President Harris, the activists felt compelled to take action. Trump’s success in key battleground states propelled him to a second term in the White House, sparking outrage among those concerned about his environmental policies.
British police swiftly arrested the two men, aged 25 and 72, on suspicion of criminal damage after the embassy wall was coated in orange paint. The activists’ protest was met with mixed reactions, with some condemning their actions as vandalism disguised as protest.
Just Stop Oil has been vocal in its calls for governments to collaborate in ending the extraction and burning of oil, gas, and coal by 2030. Their disruptive tactics, such as the recent incident at the U.S. embassy and previous stunts like spraying Stonehenge with orange powder, have garnered attention for their bold approach to climate activism.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine underscored a zero-tolerance stance towards such actions, labeling them as vandalism disguised as protest. Despite the controversy surrounding their methods, Just Stop Oil remains steadfast in its mission to push for urgent action on climate change.
The activist group’s track record includes disrupting a performance of “Les Misérables” and pouring tomato soup on a Vincent van Gogh painting, underscoring their commitment to raising awareness about environmental issues. As they continue to make headlines with their provocative protests, Just Stop Oil remains a prominent voice in the fight against fossil fuels and climate change.