Dozens of climate protesters in Tribeca were cuffed Thursday after blocking the entrance to Citigroup’s NYC headquarters for the second straight day.
Activists from groups such as Climate Defenders, New York Communities for Change, Planet over Profit, and Stop the Money Pipeline rushed to the doors of 388 Greenwich St. at around 8:20 a.m. Unfurling large banners reading “Stop Funding Fossil Fuel,” the demonstrators interlocked their arms in a human blockade to stop workers from accessing the building.
Protesters say that Citibank is a major financier of coal, oil, and gas, something they charge disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities. The activists argued that their actions aimed to keep the pressure on companies allegedly contributing to climate change in nonviolent ways, such as blocking the egress.
“Hey Citi, get off it, put planet over profit,” the protesters chanted while Citi employees looking to go to work could do nothing but watch.
In response to these claims, a Citi spokesperson stated that the organization has been working to transition to a low-carbon economy; however, they add that the climate protesters should not deny individuals access to work.
“Citi respects the advocacy of climate activists, and we are supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy through our net zero commitments and our $1 trillion sustainable finance goal. Our approach reflects the need to transition while also continuing to meet global energy needs,” a Citi spokesperson said.
“While we respect the right to protest, activists do not have the right to prevent people from entering our building. The activists were given the opportunity to protest peacefully but they chose to continue to prevent people from coming to work. The NYPD responded and restored access to our building for our employees and clients,” the Citi representative added.
NYPD officers swiftly encroached on the groups, placing them in zip ties and taking them and loading them onto a bus without incident.
“We want them [Citigruop] to immediately stop funding any new fossil fuel projects,” one protester said as he was whisked away by cops.
This came 24 hours after police reported 33 protesters were arrested at the same location for blocking the doors. This protest comes as a part of Earth Week.
