Over 20 individuals were arrested at Hanscom Field Airport in Bedford, Massachusetts, on Saturday morning following a breach of the security perimeter by protesters associated with Extinction Rebellion. The protesters were taken into custody after some allegedly trespassed onto the airport tarmac, as reported by Massachusetts State Police spokesman Dave Procopio. Charges that those arrested may face include trespassing and disorderly conduct.
Extinction Rebellion Boston released a statement indicating that the protest was organized to oppose the proposed expansion of 17 new private jet hangars at the airport. The group expressed concerns about the impact of new fossil fuel infrastructure on efforts to combat climate change, emphasizing the urgency of decarbonization to prevent catastrophic global heating and environmental degradation.
The protesters, described by the group as engaging in a peaceful and non-violent act of civil disobedience, disrupted flights at the airport as part of their demonstration. The Bedford Police Department responded to reports of disruptive protesters and trespassers, working alongside airport personnel and Massachusetts State Police to address the situation. Despite the disruptions, authorities assured the community that there was no imminent danger related to the protest.
Extinction Rebellion has a history of staging protests at Hanscom Field Airport, which has transitioned from primarily serving military operations to accommodating various aviation activities, including corporate aviation, flight schools, and commercial air services. The recent demonstration coincided with ongoing environmental concerns, with February 2024 being recorded as the hottest February on record, marking the ninth consecutive month of record-breaking temperatures according to data from the European Union.
