The Briefing Room
State Chapters => Texas => Topic started by: thackney on September 12, 2019, 06:22:03 pm
-
{Houston} Ship channel closed, Fred Hartman Bridge traffic stacked due to Greenpeace protest
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/greenpeace-protesters-hang-from-fred-hartman-bridge (https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/greenpeace-protesters-hang-from-fred-hartman-bridge)
September 12, 2019
At least eleven Greenpeace protesters Thursday were hanging from the Fred Hartman Bridge.
The environmental activists used colorful banners as they were suspended over the Houston Ship Channel.
According to the group, they are protesting fossil fuels and plan to stay on the bridge for 24 hours....
(photos at link)
-
Hope these idiots enjoy a nice long stay in the gray bar hotel!
-
How long can they tread water is a question I would like to know.
-
...KHOU reports sheriff's deputies confirmed that they would not attempt to force a rescue or remove the activists unless they become a safety or health hazard, as they don't want to risk lives.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/greenpeace-activists-protest-hanging-from-fred-hartman-bridge-in-houston-today-2019-09-12/ (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/greenpeace-activists-protest-hanging-from-fred-hartman-bridge-in-houston-today-2019-09-12/)
The activists are expected to face multiple charges once they conclude their protest, including obstructing the roadway and obstructing the waterway. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez tweeted out that his office "is aware of a public demonstration currently underway at the Fred Hartman bridge in East Harris County."...
-
How long can they tread water is a question I would like to know.
Or doesn't anyone in that part of Texas have a knife?
-
Or doesn't anyone in that part of Texas have a knife?
Exactly!
-
Soak the ropes in kerosene and light them up...
-
Soak the ropes in kerosene and light them up...
Tie them off, cut the ropes, and lower them in.
-
Navarre said the group has been peaceful, but it is unclear what they are protesting. He said the major concern is the safety of the citizens and protesters.
Authorities said they would allow the protester to continue unless it becomes a health or safety issue.
Safety issue for who? The protesters?
How about the safety issue caused by cars bottled up on the freeway?
People can die if traffic does not flow freely.
-
Or doesn't anyone in that part of Texas have a knife?
HArris County. The Portlandia of Texas.
-
Maybe some of the shipmates on the ships passing underneath them enjoy some target practice?
I wish the old smoke belchers still plied those waters....
-
Maybe some of the shipmates on the ships passing underneath them enjoy some target practice?
I wish the old smoke belchers still plied those waters....
Sadly, they closed the ship channel because of this.
-
Sadly, they closed the ship channel because of this.
And just how many $$$ is that costing us in disrupted commerce? Asking for a friend.
-
Sadly, they closed the ship channel because of this.
So the protesters won.
Expect more and strengthened protests.
BTW, closing the channel and stopping commerce is not 'peaceful protesting'. It is sabotage.
-
And just how many $$$ is that costing us in disrupted commerce? Asking for a friend.
I was wondering why I have not seen any ships or heard any ship waves. Idiots, the ships will now have to wait a day. I don't know how much a day costs a large ship but it has got to be in the tens of thousands of dollars and I'd say a couple hundred ship use that channel every 24 hours. So this "protest" might cost millions of dollars. Make the protesters pay.
-
A lot of ship traffic is going to be backed up.
https://www.cruisin.me/cruise-port-tracker/united-states/houston-texas/ (https://www.cruisin.me/cruise-port-tracker/united-states/houston-texas/)
-
All of the manufacturing and shipping companies affected by the disruption of commerce should file a class action lawsuit against Greenpeace and the fruitcakes who participated.
-
All of the manufacturing and shipping companies affected by the disruption of commerce should file a class action lawsuit against Greenpeace and the fruitcakes who participated.
Yes! The shipowners/operators can show a definite fiscal loss directly because of the activities of these Greenpeace People, not just in increased operating costs, but in any cargo degradation, and loss of commerce (every day sitting idle is another day they could have been making money elsewhere). Bleed the Ecowhackos dry.
-
I'm sure loads of Texans are persuaded by this idiocy.
I didn't say to what they were persuaded. :whistle:
Edit: added a missing word.
-
I'm loads of Texans are persuaded by this idiocy.
I didn't say to what they were persuaded. :whistle:
Yabbut, Environmental groups, like Greenpeace, received money from the Communists since the 70s, they don't need Texas money. The idea was to hamper American industry during the Cold War, and they have been swimmingly successful ever since.
-
Greenpeace protesters arrested after rappelling from Fred Hartman Bridge
https://abc13.com/society/live-greenpeace-protesters-arrested-at-fred-hartman-bridge/5534431/ (https://abc13.com/society/live-greenpeace-protesters-arrested-at-fred-hartman-bridge/5534431/)
Twenty-three Greenpeace USA protesters have formed a blockade over the Fred Hartman Bridge in Baytown ahead of the third 2020 Democratic debate, forcing the closure of the Houston Ship Channel and snarling traffic in the area.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office began taking protesters into custody Thursday evening.
HCSO said in a tweet that they're working with Houston and Baytown fire departments to rappel down and make contact with protesters hanging from the bridge.
They say the goal is to bring them to boats they have staged below and take them into custody.
Eleven people have rappelled from the bridge. There were also people acting as "spotters" who were located along the top of the bridge to assist them.
The spotters have also been taken into custody.
Around 4 p.m. Thursday, military personnel arrived at the scene, hoping to bring the blockade to a peaceful end.
The Coast Guard said a little over half a mile of the ship channel was closed due to the protest.
-
Greenpeace protesters arrested after rappelling from Fred Hartman Bridge
https://abc13.com/society/live-greenpeace-protesters-arrested-at-fred-hartman-bridge/5534431/ (https://abc13.com/society/live-greenpeace-protesters-arrested-at-fred-hartman-bridge/5534431/)
Maximum penalty for these jokers.
-
Maximum penalty for these jokers.
Well, they're riding for the brand.
Shipowners, operators, anyone or corporate entity who loses a dime because those ships were idled and others delayed should all be suing Greenpeace for damages.
-
Well, they're riding for the brand.
Shipowners, operators, anyone or corporate entity who loses a dime because those ships were idled and others delayed should all be suing Greenpeace for damages.
And while they are at it, they should all sue indidually -- no class action -- so that Greenpeace has to lawyer up for 100 individual lawsuits.
-
And while they are at it, they should all sue indidually -- no class action -- so that Greenpeace has to lawyer upn
for 100 individual lawsuits.
:yowsa: pointing-up
-
And while they are at it, they should all sue indidually -- no class action -- so that Greenpeace has to lawyer up for 100 individual lawsuits.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :beer:
-
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Protesters-arrested-after-day-long-demonstration-14436189.php (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Protesters-arrested-after-day-long-demonstration-14436189.php)
The demonstration, intended to “confront the oil industry†by blocking the nation’s largest ship channel, was expected to continue for 24 hours into Friday morning. While the Harris County Sheriff’s Office initially said they would not remove protesters, Houston-area law enforcement agencies by late afternoon began taking them into custody.
In all, 22 demonstrators participated in the protest, including 11 who descended by rope from the bridge. Law enforcement rescuers worked to get those hanging from the bridge safely into boats. At least 15 protesters were arrested by Thursday evening, according to a Greenpeace spokesperson.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said protesters could face state-level charges for impeding traffic on the bridge and in the channel. In addition, one of the protesters’ vans caused a wreck on the bridge, leaving one person hospitalized, authorities said.
It’s unclear what specifically prompted authorities to start making arrests.
-
Am willing to bet that the state will look deeply for old laws on the books to see what criminal activities these people can be charged with.
There are a lot of old, obscure laws I bet on trespass and mischief that haven't been used for awhile...
The goal is Don't Mess With Texas
-
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/greenpeace-protesters-who-dangled-from-bridge-over-vital-ship-channel-arrested/ (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/greenpeace-protesters-who-dangled-from-bridge-over-vital-ship-channel-arrested/)
The sheriff's office told KHOU the demonstrators will face multiple charges including obstructing the roadway and obstructing the waterway. The office is checking with the area U.S. Attorney's office about other possible charges.
In addition, police told KHOU, the activists could also face charges for a three-vehicle crash on the bridge after a van carrying the protesters partially blocked a lane. One person was hurt.
-
Am willing to bet that the state will look deeply for old laws on the books to see what criminal activities these people can be charged with.
There are a lot of old, obscure laws I bet on trespass and mischief that haven't been used for awhile...
The goal is Don't Mess With Texas
33 CFR § 209.170 - Violations of laws protecting navigable waters.
Seems to me that the Greenpeace folks moored objects (protestors) to the bridge which impeded the navigability of the channel. As such, this should be a Federal Case, and the proverbial book should be thrown at them.
-
Greenpeace protesters who shut down Houston Ship Channel released from jail, plead not guilty to federal charges
Houston Chronicle by Dylan McGuinness Sep. 14, 2019
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Greenpeace-protesters-who-shut-down-Houston-Ship-14440501.php (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Greenpeace-protesters-who-shut-down-Houston-Ship-14440501.php)
The demonstrators who shut down the Houston Ship Channel before the Democratic debate on Thursday were released from jail Saturday after pleading not guilty in federal court for their roles in a daylong Greenpeace USA protest of the oil industry.
Each protester was charged with aiding and abetting obstruction of navigable waters and faces up to a year in prison or a $2,500 fine if convicted, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas’ office.
The 11 people who repelled from the Fred Hartman Bridge to block shipping traffic and their 11 “spotters†were released on personal recognizance bonds.
Greenpeace spokeswoman Valentina Stackl said they have been in jail on related state charges since the protests began Thursday, along with four others involved in the protest. The 22 people in court Saturday live in 13 different states and the District of Columbia, but none resides in Texas.
-
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Greenpeace-protesters-arrested-charged-14436988.php (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Greenpeace-protesters-arrested-charged-14436988.php)
At the district level, 31 activists were each charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass and obstruction of a roadway as well as felony obstruction of critical infrastructure.
-
I hope every shipping company, company which relies on timely delivery or shipping of goods, who spent money on fuel idling and waiting for the way to be cleared, anyone who has suffered and can demonstrate financial loss and/or pain and suffering over this "protest" files suit against the individuals and Greenpeace over this incident, including the people hurt in the accident on the bridge. These should be so thick there should be a TV ad for lawyer services.
-
I hope every shipping company, company which relies on timely delivery or shipping of goods, who spent money on fuel idling and waiting for the way to be cleared, anyone who has suffered and can demonstrate financial loss and/or pain and suffering over this "protest" files suit against the individuals and Greenpeace over this incident, including the people hurt in the accident on the bridge. These should be so thick there should be a TV ad for lawyer services.
:yowsa: pointing-up
-
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/federal-charges-filed-against-greenpeace-protesters (https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/federal-charges-filed-against-greenpeace-protesters)
...The charges allege each aided and abetted each other and others known and unknown to unlawfully obstruct the navigable capacity of the waters of the United States. Specifically, the information alleges they obstructed the waterway by rappelling off and suspending themselves from the Fred Hartman Bridge over the San Jacinto River. Their actions caused a disruption and affected vessel traffic within the Houston Ship Channel - to and from the Port of Houston, according to the allegations.
Those charged in federal court include California residents Zeph Fishlyn, 52, Tamura R. Seiji, 29, and Richard A. Sisney, 32, all of Oakland, and Cole Asher Taylor-Martin, 35, of Fullerton; Missouri residents Jayden Allen, 20, of Warrensburg, and Dakota P. Schee, 25, of Kansas City; Jonathan Butler, 29, and Tracye Redd, 28, both of Washington, DC; Washington State residents Ryan Harris, 41, of Olympia, and Piper Werle, 29, of Port Orchard; New York women Brianna Gibson, 28, of Brooklyn, and Kim Irene, 26, of Jerico; Colorado residents Julie A. McElvain, 36, of Steamboat Springs, and Cheloee Price, 23, of Denver; as well as Christan Bufforu, 32, of Ellerwood, Georgia; Sydney Clifford, 21, of Portland, Oregon; Heather Doyle, 35, of Albequrque, New Mexico; Michael Herbert, 36, Hyattsville, Maryland; Tyler N. McFarland, 27, of Dover, New Hampshire; Sarah Newman, 42, of Lexington, Kentucky; Heidi Nybroten, 26, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Shevone Torres, 39, of Pennsauken, New Jersey.
If convicted of the misdemeanor charges, each faces up to a year in federal prison and a possible $2,500 fine....
-
If convicted of the misdemeanor charges, each faces up to a year in federal prison and a possible $2,500 fine....
So the penalty for ecoterrorism is a misdemeanor? That's f'ed up from the get go.
-
So the penalty for ecoterrorism is a misdemeanor? That's f'ed up from the get go.
You would think there would be the ability to file Federal Charges as well, perhaps as part of the Rivers and Harbors act.
I hope the prosecution does its due diligence and charges these people 'creatively'.
-
You would think there would be the ability to file Federal Charges as well, perhaps as part of the Rivers and Harbors act.
I hope the prosecution does its due diligence and charges these people 'creatively'.
That was the federal charges. I believe there are state charges as well
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/federal-charges-filed-against-greenpeace-protesters (https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/federal-charges-filed-against-greenpeace-protesters)
...The charges allege each aided and abetted each other and others known and unknown to unlawfully obstruct the navigable capacity of the waters of the United States. Specifically, the information alleges they obstructed the waterway by rappelling off and suspending themselves from the Fred Hartman Bridge over the San Jacinto River. Their actions caused a disruption and affected vessel traffic within the Houston Ship Channel - to and from the Port of Houston, according to the allegations.
Those charged in federal court include California residents Zeph Fishlyn, 52, Tamura R. Seiji, 29, and Richard A. Sisney, 32, all of Oakland, and Cole Asher Taylor-Martin, 35, of Fullerton; Missouri residents Jayden Allen, 20, of Warrensburg, and Dakota P. Schee, 25, of Kansas City; Jonathan Butler, 29, and Tracye Redd, 28, both of Washington, DC; Washington State residents Ryan Harris, 41, of Olympia, and Piper Werle, 29, of Port Orchard; New York women Brianna Gibson, 28, of Brooklyn, and Kim Irene, 26, of Jerico; Colorado residents Julie A. McElvain, 36, of Steamboat Springs, and Cheloee Price, 23, of Denver; as well as Christan Bufforu, 32, of Ellerwood, Georgia; Sydney Clifford, 21, of Portland, Oregon; Heather Doyle, 35, of Albequrque, New Mexico; Michael Herbert, 36, Hyattsville, Maryland; Tyler N. McFarland, 27, of Dover, New Hampshire; Sarah Newman, 42, of Lexington, Kentucky; Heidi Nybroten, 26, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Shevone Torres, 39, of Pennsauken, New Jersey.
If convicted of the misdemeanor charges, each faces up to a year in federal prison and a possible $2,500 fine....
-
They should be sent to Federal Prison for a year as that is the stated penalty. Do it and you do the penalty. And, it should be all over the web and in every newspaper so it is known, do this and you go to prison.
Thank God there was not a Texan in the group. Should be double penalty for coming from those states into Texas to commit a crime. "Don't mess with Texas".
-
They should be sent to Federal Prison for a year as that is the stated penalty. Do it and you do the penalty. And, it should be all over the web and in every newspaper so it is known, do this and you go to prison.
Thank God there was not a Texan in the group. Should be double penalty for coming from those states into Texas to commit a crime. "Don't mess with Texas".
We had a similar problem with the DAPL (Standing Rock) protests. Fully 95% of those charged were from out of state. Even DNA from cigarette butts has been compared to databases to identify the perps. Considering that little protest cost the State some 80 million in LEO costs, and millions in damages to public and private property, those rodents are still being pursued.
In addition to the "Water Protector" sh*tshow, there were three incidents of people related to the environmentalists breaking into enclosures and tampering with valves on live pipelines. In each case those changes were caught by operators and the lines shut down before damage could result.