Climate Activists 'Just Stop Oil' Vandalize Stonehenge with Orange Paint

Just Stop Oil, an environmental activist group, vandalized the ancient British monument, Stonehenge, on Wednesday. 

Details: The activists sprayed several stones with what they claimed was “orange paint powder,” demanding that the next UK government phase out fossil fuels by 2030. Two people were arrested by Wiltshire Police on suspicion of damaging the monument. The incident occurred a day before the Summer Solstice, a day of spiritual significance that traditionally witnesses large crowds gathering at the monument.

For Context: Just Stop Oil has been known for its disruptive environmental protests, which include shutting down major roads and holding protests at cultural and sporting events. 

Key Quotes: In a post on X, Just Stop Oil stated, “The orange cornflour we used will soon wash away with the rain, but the urgent need for effective government action to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of the climate and ecological crisis will not.” This post received a community note reading, “Lichen covers and protects the stones of Stonehenge. Damage to the lichen will mean that the stones are less protected from pollution in the environment.” The official Stonehenge X account confirmed the potential that the stones could be damaged, stating, “it is a criminal offence to damage the Stones … Expect a prison sentence.”

How The Media Covered It: CBS News (Lean Left bias) used Just Stop Oil’s own wording to describe their action. Reuters (Center bias) only included quotes critical of the action. Fox News (Right bias) labeled the group’s actions “superficial vandalism.” This summary was developed with the help of AllSides' AI technology.