QUEENS, NEW YORK: The environmental activist group Extinction Rebellion (XR) has sparked outrage by disrupting Coco Gauff's US Open semifinal victory on Friday, September 8. Extinction Rebellion is a decentralized and autonomous group, therefore allowing local groups to independently organize events and actions as long as they align with the movement's "principles and values."
Extinction Rebellion was founded in 2018 by Gail Bradbrook, Simon Bramwell, Roger Hallam, and eight other co-founders affiliated with the campaign group Rising Up.
Local groups that can independently organize events in the name of the movement typically consist of various "working groups" responsible for different aspects such as strategy, outreach, and well-being.
Anyone planning an action that supports XR's goals and adheres to its principles, including a commitment to non-violence, can attribute it to XR. This structure allows for a diverse range of initiatives while maintaining a common ethos.
The decentralized structure is facilitated by communication technology. The group recently transitioned to Telegram for easier group-wide communication, moving away from WhatsApp.
"We're just trying to be a little bit more streamlined in terms of what we're using our communications channels for," a spokeswoman of the London group said in 2019, as per Wired.
US Open interrupted by Extinction Rebellion (XR)
Tennis fans responded with taunts and jeers as the protesters were removed from Arthur Ashe Stadium. Three activists from the activist group interrupted Gauff's match against Karolina Muchova, causing a nearly one-hour delay by chanting "End fossil fuels."
One of the protesters even glued their bare feet to the concrete in protest.
However, spectators had the final word as the demonstrators, representing a UK-based group that has frequently disrupted events in the name of global warming, were eventually kicked out of the stadium.
During the event, three protesters interrupted the broadcast, calling for an end to fossil fuels. They were wearing shirts bearing the message "end fossil fuels" and the Extinction Rebellion logo.
The NYPD was called to handle the situation, and one protester had to be removed after they attached themselves to the floor.
One of the protesters, known only as Ian, expressed that their aim was to hold the US Open accountable, as per AP News. They pointed out that the tournament has sponsors who are large corporations with policies that contribute to global warming.
"We are not trying to harm the athletes in any way. We have nothing against the sport, but we are really trying to draw attention to an issue here that there will be no tennis left for anybody in the world to enjoy," he said.
Tennis player Coco Gauff expressed frustration during the delay and questioned the lengthy negotiations with the protesters. Her coach, Brad Gilbert, also voiced his frustration, calling the situation a joke, per Daily Mail.
The confusion arose when one protester used glue instead of shoes to secure themselves. Boos from the crowd echoed through the stadium, and a message on the screens asked for "patience" from the audience.
Incidents and controversies associated with Extinction Rebellion (XR):
The Extinction Rebellion group, which was founded in 2018, has garnered significant attention in recent years through its provocative actions, which have included members gluing themselves to famous paintings and scaling structures.
This politically-charged group employs civil disobedience as a strategy to draw attention to concerns surrounding perceived environmental degradation.
London Protests and Disruptions (April 2019)
In April 2019, XR organized major protests in London that included blocking key traffic intersections and occupying public spaces. These actions led to significant disruptions, criticism from commuters, and clashes with law enforcement. Over 1,000 protesters were arrested during these protests.
Heathrow Airport Drone Threat (September 2019)
XR threatened to disrupt Heathrow Airport by flying drones near it in September 2019 to protest against airport expansion and its environmental impact. While the action did not materialize as planned, it raised concerns about the potential for airport disruptions and the safety risks associated with drone use.
Printing Press Blockade (September 2020)
XR activists blockaded the printing presses of several major newspapers in the UK, including The Sun and The Times, in September 2020. Critics argued that this was an attack on freedom of the press and that XR was overstepping its bounds.
Protests During the Covid-19 Pandemic (2020-2021)
XR faced criticism for organizing large protests during the Covid-19 pandemic. Critics argued that these gatherings could contribute to the spread of the virus and put public health at risk.
Destruction of Cambridge University Lawn (February 2021)
XR activists dug up the lawn at Cambridge University's Trinity College in February 2021 accusing the college of investing in oil and gas companies. The action sparked a debate about the appropriateness of damaging university property for political purposes.
Allegations of Extremism and Eco-Terrorism
Some political figures and media outlets have accused XR of extremism and compared their actions to eco-terrorism. XR maintains a commitment to non-violence, but these allegations have raised questions about their tactics and objectives.
Internal Disputes and Resignations
XR has experienced internal disputes and the resignation of prominent members over strategic and organizational issues. These disputes have highlighted divisions within the movement.
These incidents have contributed to a broader debate about the effectiveness and ethics of XR's methods and have raised questions about the balance between climate activism and the impact of their protests on society, the economy, and public opinion.
