Statement of DA Rollins on August 10, 2020, Protest Arrests

BOSTON, August 11, 2020 — During an appearance today in the Roxbury Division of Boston Municipal Court, prosecutors requested that arraignments be continued to a later date for 10 individuals arrested in connection with a climate action protest last night.  That request was granted, and the cases are scheduled to return to court on August 26, 2020. 

Each of the individuals is charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct in connection with last night’s protest at 660 Beacon Street.  The individuals allegedly entered a construction site at the location and climbed exterior scaffolding on the building in order to raise a banner reading, “Climate Justice Now” on Boston’s landmark Citgo sign.

“The First Amendment right to speak and protest freely is one that will be protected in Suffolk County, but the safety of the public and our first responders will not be sacrificed in the process.  No right is absolute.  Each of these individuals willingly put themselves at great risk by climbing up a structure to execute their plan, and then required numerous members of the Boston Police Department and Boston Fire Department to respond and assist them back to the ground safely.  While the charges these individuals face are included on my List of 15 that are, absent other factors, prioritized for pre-arraignment diversion or declination, my Office never takes these actions without thoughtful consideration of all of the facts present in each case.  I have instructed my prosecutors to take additional time to review all of the facts of this incident, all of the risks it created, and the costs that the City of Boston incurred as a result. Once I have that information we will determine next steps in court,” District Attorney Rachael Rollins said.

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.