Tim DeChristopher, accused of federal crimes for disrupting a Bureau of Land Management oil and gas lease auction, today pleaded not guilty to all charges. The judge set a trial date of July 6.
Tim DeChristopher speaks to supporters before his arraignment
Before his arraignment, DeChristopher told a group of supporters that while U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman has threatened him with ten years in prison, the threats due to climate change are far more daunting.
DeChristopher, lawyer (and former BLM Director) Pat Shea, and NASA climatologist Dr. James Hansen led a march from Library Square to the federal courthouse, carrying Bidder 70 paddles and banners that read, “We are all Bidder 70.”
Activists from Peaceful Uprising brought a huge banner: “CLIMATE JUSTICE IS SURVIVAL, NOW OR NEVER.”
More info:
Bidder70.org
Peaceful Uprising
One Utah Tim DeChristopher archive
News coverage of today’s arraignment and rally:
Deseret News
Salt Lake Tribune
Fox 13 Utah
KSL-TV
More photos below…
Many carried Bidder 70 paddles to the courthouse
Crowd outside the federal courthouse
Supporters wait during the arraignment
Pat Shea briefs Tim’s supporters on the arraignment
NASA’s Dr. James Hansen talks about the planetary threat from climate change
#1 by cav - April 29th, 2009 at 09:03
Long ago, in a mythical land somewhere between New York and California, it is said that hikers sometimes stumbled across golden, sandstone arches. They would then begin to salivate.
I wonder what ever happened to that.
#2 by Larry Bergan - April 29th, 2009 at 12:38
It was a very nice rally!