Hanscom protest defendants reach deals to avoid further trials
Several defendants had expected to stand trial over the summer. Now, most are set to have charges cleared.
All remaining cases linked to a protest at Hanscom Field last year are set to end without trials after a judge approved agreements in Acton District Court.
Climate protesters faced trespassing and disorderly conduct charges over the April 20, 2024, demonstration against private jet hangar expansion.
Several defendants had expected to stand trial over the summer. Now, most are set to have charges cleared after community service.
The resolutions follow a trial last month during which jurors convicted protester Brian Okum of trespassing but acquitted him of charges of disorderly conduct and felony destruction of property. (Okum was the only demonstrator charged with a felony).
Defense attorney Kylah Clay said she thinks “it’s ridiculous that the Commonwealth chose to pursue these cases.” But, she said, “I’m glad that, after over a year, we’ve been able to resolve them, I think, in a way that’s very favorable for our clients.”
Middlesex District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Meghan Kelly said in a statement that the protesters who faced charges “endangered themselves, pilots, passengers, and other employees by unlawfully entering an active airfield.”
She said the proceedings “reflect the important balance that must be struck between protecting the right to protest and ensuring public safety.”
Massport spokesperson Jennifer Mehigan said the quasi-public agency “cooperated fully with law enforcement to prosecute these individuals” and deter similar acts.
Final negotiations
The Boston chapter of the Extinction Rebellion advocacy group organized the demonstration, which shut down Hanscom operations for several hours. Prosecutors charged 21 people who allegedly walked onto the tarmac.
Some accepted earlier deals. As Okum went to trial, others steeled themselves for their day at the defense table. Last-minute negotiations after Okum’s verdict meant those dates never came.
Judge Lynn Brendemuehl ordered charges dismissed on May 27 for eleven defendants once they complete terms of pre-trial probation, including community service.
One protester, Paul Shannon, pleaded guilty to trespassing and paid a $100 fine rather than do community service. A last defendant was expected to iron out a deal last week.
‘Keep the pressure on’
Kelly said prosecutors “remain firmly committed to upholding the right to free expression without compromising the safety of those who live and work in Middlesex County.”
The defendants’ supporters said the state was wasting resources on low-level charges and argued that the prosecutions could have a chilling effect. Climate advocates urged the DA’s office to avoid further trials by offering better terms.
Linden Jenkins said they planned to visit Walden Pond after the judge greenlit their agreement. They said they’re glad to be mostly finished with their legal journey and remain opposed to hangar expansion.
After Okum’s trial and again in a Acton Bridge interview, local organizer Alex Chatfield criticized new efforts to bring an autonomous flight company to an empty Hanscom hanger.
“We’ll just keep the pressure on as best that we can,” Jenkins said.
Andy Paven, a spokesperson for the Hanscom developers, said he had nothing to add about the prosecutions since the alleged trespassing occurred on Massport property.
