The Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut, faced an unexpected disruption as climate activists stormed the 18th green, spraying red smoke during the final round of the prestigious golf tournament. The incident occurred around midday, just as the leading players were approaching the decisive hole at TPC River Highlands.
The protesters, affiliated with the environmental group Extinction Rebellion, aimed to draw attention to climate change issues and the perceived inaction of governments and corporations. Waving banners and releasing plumes of red smoke, they managed to halt play temporarily and were promptly detained by security personnel and local law enforcement.
When the climate protestors ran on the green today at the Travelers, I thought for a second Scottie Scheffler might produce a shiv and take a couple of them out. This moron’s lucky to be alive, you can’t startle an ex-con like that.
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) June 24, 2024
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with players and spectators caught off guard by the sudden intrusion. The activists chanted slogans condemning fossil fuel subsidies and called for urgent climate action. One protester stated, "We cannot stand by while our planet burns. We need immediate and drastic changes to save our future".
This is not the first time climate activists have targeted high-profile events to gain media attention. Earlier this month, a similar group disrupted the annual Congressional Baseball Game, resulting in several arrests. These tactics are part of a broader strategy to bring climate issues to the forefront of public discourse through direct action and civil disobedience.
The most hated group in America (climate protestors) have STORMED THE GREEN at the 18th hole of the PGA Traveler’s tournament.
SEND THEM TO JAIL…or bury them under the fairway. Whatevs.
pic.twitter.com/T70uyBJphC— Chad Prather (@WatchChad) June 23, 2024
The Travelers Championship resumed after a brief delay, with security measures heightened to prevent further incidents. Tournament organizers issued a statement condemning the disruption but also acknowledging the protesters' right to express their views, urging them to do so in a manner that does not endanger others or disrupt public events.
This incident is the latest in a series of high-profile protests by climate activists. In February, protesters shut down the National Archives in Washington, D.C., by dumping red powder on the encasement of the U.S. Constitution, an act that drew widespread condemnation and led to multiple arrests.The Travelers Championship, part of the PGA Tour, is renowned for its charitable contributions and community engagement, raising millions of dollars annually for various causes. This year's event, held from June 20-23, featured top golfers from around the world competing for a share of the $8 million prize purse.
Despite the disruption, the tournament concluded successfully, with all players finishing their rounds. The incident has sparked a debate about the effectiveness and appropriateness of such protest methods, with opinions divided on whether they advance the cause of climate action or alienate potential supporters.
In response to the growing frequency of these protests, law enforcement and event organizers are re-evaluating security protocols to ensure the safety and uninterrupted conduct of public events. The debate over climate change and the urgent need for action continues to be a contentious and highly charged issue in the public sphere.
