Extinction Rebellion Faces FBI Scrutiny in U.S. Terrorism Investigation
Environmental protest organization Extinction Rebellion has publicly stated that it is under federal investigation in the United States, with Federal Bureau of Investigation agents visiting multiple members over the past year. The group, known for its non-violent civil disobedience campaigns addressing climate change, revealed these developments on Wednesday, highlighting visits from agents associated with the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Details of FBI Visits to Activists
According to a formal statement released by Extinction Rebellion, on the evening of February 6, two special agents from the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force visited a former member of Extinction Rebellion NYC at their residence located approximately 200 miles outside New York City. The agents inquired about the individual's previous involvement with the environmental group's New York City chapter. The former member reportedly directed all questions to their legal counsel.
Additionally, the activist group reported that in March 2025, agents identifying themselves as FBI personnel attempted to engage with six different activists affiliated with Extinction Rebellion Boston. The statement noted that there was no subsequent communication following these attempted contacts. Extinction Rebellion's announcement did not provide further specifics regarding these incidents.
FBI Response and Broader Context
When approached for comment regarding these allegations, the FBI maintained its standard protocol, stating it could neither confirm nor deny conducting specific investigations, citing established Department of Justice policy. This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the Trump administration and various liberal organizations.
Rights advocates have expressed significant concerns about potential infringements on free speech under the current administration. These apprehensions are fueled by President Donald Trump's documented crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests opposing Israel's military actions in Gaza, alongside his explicit threats toward liberal non-profit organizations and groups that challenge his political agenda, particularly regarding immigration and climate policies.
Political Climate and Environmental Advocacy
The Trump administration has repeatedly accused certain groups, often without presenting substantiating evidence, of financing and orchestrating political violence. Climate advocacy organizations have faced particular scrutiny, coinciding with the administration's rollback of domestic climate regulations and the United States' withdrawal from key international environmental agreements, such as the Paris Climate Accord.
Extinction Rebellion describes itself on its global website as a "decentralised, international and politically non-partisan movement using non-violent direct action and civil disobedience to persuade governments to act justly on the climate emergency." The group has gained international recognition, with prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg participating in events organized by its chapters. The organization recently staged a protest near the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, in London on December 20, demonstrating its ongoing global activism.
As this situation unfolds, the intersection of environmental activism, federal law enforcement actions, and political discourse continues to evolve, raising critical questions about the boundaries of protest rights and governmental oversight in addressing climate-related civil disobedience.
