Photo: Courtesy of Extinction Rebellion Boston
BEDFORD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Members of the climate activist group Extinction Rebellion were arrested during a protest at Laurence G. Hanscom Airfield in Bedford Saturday morning.
Protestors stood in the way of planes so they could not taxi on the runway, while others blocked the entrances of fixed base operators Signature Aviation, Jet Aviation, and Atlantic Aviation.
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In a statement, Extinction Rebellion Boston said the business disruption was in protest of the proposed Hanscom airfield expansion, which would add 17 new jet hangers.
1 of 3 Photo: Courtesy of Extinction Rebellion Boston
2 of 3 Photo: Courtesy of Extinction Rebellion Boston
3 of 3 Photo: Courtesy of Extinction Rebellion Boston
"If executed, this expansion will cancel out the carbon benefits from 70% of solar power in the state of Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Governor Healey touts Massachusetts as a 'climate leader' while refusing to publicly take a stand against the expansion," the group said.
State and local police responded to the disruption, arresting activists for "trespassing, disorderly conduct, and potentially other related charges," a Massachusetts State Police spokesperson told WBZ NewsRadio.
The preliminary arrest total is 20, State Police said at around 12:20 p.m. Saturday.
According to MSP, there were approximately 25 people conducting the protest.
Last September, Extinction Rebellion members were arrested for shutting down rush hour traffic in downtown Boston while protesting new fossil fuel infrastructure.
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