Reminding everyone that they still exist as an organization, seven Greenpeace activists scaled a crane at a construction site several blocks from the White House to protest the Trump Administration.
The protesters unfurled a large “Resist” sign, visible from the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the White House but, according to law enforcement officials, do not have any specific demands.
Representatives for Greenpeace told media that the protesters are conducting “a First Amendment action,” encouraging “social justice minded” Americans to oppose to Trump’s agenda, however the crane is located on private—not government—property, the former site of the Washington Post building.
The protests come one day after President Donald Trump signed executive orders authorizing natural gas and oil pipelines the group had previous opposed.
But while the Greenpeace representatives seem pleased with themselves, DC residents who spoke to Heat Street said they’re rather miffed at the complication now piled on top of their morning commute. DC police also issued a sincere apology for having to close 15th Avenue between L & M streets, after residents complained that traffic in the city was worse than normal.
“While we respect everyone’s right to protest, today’s actions are extremely dangerous and unlawful. Multiple government resources are being tied up, and unfortunately streets are blocked while first responders try to safely address this matter,” they said in a statement.
According to a Greenpeace spokesman, the protest may go on for quite some time. “The protesters are wearing diapers because they are pros at this,” said Jason Schwartz. “They’re going to be doing protests like this for the next four years.”
Greenpeace’s most recent “direct actions” in the US include dressing up activists in polar bear suits at UN-sponsored climate change conferences, and maintaining a small presences at Dakota Access Pipeline protest camps. Eight Greenpeace protesters were arrested last year in the UK, after they attempted to scale several London monuments.
Authorities told Heat Street that they are prepared to wait out the protests, regardless. They are keeping interested parties appraised on Twitter.
