Fifteen were arrested Wednesday as climate change protesters marched and blocked lanes of traffic on Boston's streets in effort to"pressure the [Massachusetts] government to ban new fossil fuel infrastructure," according to a press release from the group.
The few dozen protesters carried flags, banners and a large puppet through the rush hours of the city's morning commute. They are associated with Extinction Rebellion, a decentralized confederation of environmentalists determined to prevent the worst effects of climate change. Five people blocking the ramp between Leverett Circle and I-93 were arrested, according to State police. Another 10 were arrested by Boston Police across the city. Protesters also marched and sat in lanes of traffic on the Summer Street bridge, Seaport Boulevard and along parts of the financial district.
This wasn't Extinction Rebellion Boston's first foray into splashy public demonstrations. In 2020, protesters unfurled a in Kenmore Square. Eight people were arrested after clambering down from the sign, made famous by its visible position behind the Green Monster in Fenway Park.Teddy O'Hea talks to Extinction Rebellion protesters in Post Office Square. Extinction Rebellion protesters walk along Pearl St. in downtown Boston. Extinction Rebellion protesters sit on Summer Street bridge.