Photo: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP / Getty Images
On Wednesday (April 23), a climate protester was arrested for spray-painting "USA" over a presidential insignia inside Trump Tower in New York City. The protester, identified as 36-year-old Nathaniel Smith from Crown Heights, used bright green paint to deface the plaque before kneeling and closing his eyes. As a security officer approached, Smith displayed a banner with "GAME OVER" and the Extinction Rebellion symbol, a known climate activist group.
Smith was charged with making graffiti, possession of a graffiti instrument, and criminal tampering, according to law enforcement sources. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed awareness of the incident but did not make the arrest. A spokesperson expressed gratitude to the NYPD for their quick response.
The protest was part of a series of actions by Extinction Rebellion, which also included graffiti on the Wall Street Charging Bull and a Tesla showroom, as well as disruptions at a New York City Ballet performance. These actions coincided with Earth Day demonstrations, highlighting concerns about environmental degradation for profit. Smith has a prior arrest for criminal trespass at Columbia University.
A video of Smith being detained was shared on X.