Climate activists from Just Stop Oil have defaced the grave of renowned British naturalist Charles Darwin at Westminster Abbey in London.
According to a statement from the campaign group, two members entered the church and applied spray chalk to the white marble gravestone.
The activists inscribed “1.5 is dead” in orange, referring to the confirmation that last year marked the first instance of exceeding the critical global warming threshold of 1.5C.
“We have crossed the 1.5 degree threshold that was intended to ensure our safety,” the activists remarked.
“Darwin would be turning in his grave to know we are experiencing the sixth mass extinction.”
“World leaders must cease burning oil, gas, and coal by 2030.”
Charles Darwin, who is widely recognized for his theory of evolution through natural selection, passed away in 1882.
He is laid to rest in the Scientists’ Corner of Westminster Abbey, alongside notable figures such as Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking.
The church acknowledged the incident in a statement, saying, “The Abbey’s conservators are taking prompt action to restore the memorial and do not expect any lasting damage,” according to a spokesperson.
“The police responded to the situation and managed it appropriately. The Abbey continues to be open for visitors and worshippers.”
London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that two women were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage at Westminster Abbey.
They have been identified by Just Stop Oil as Alyson Lee, 66, a retired teaching assistant, and Di Bligh, a 77-year-old former chief executive of Reading Council.
Activists have carried out several high-profile protests across Britain, including disrupting sports and theater events, vandalizing the US Embassy building in London, and throwing soup on Van Gogh paintings.
Westminster Abbey serves as the site for royal weddings, coronations, and burials, and is a major tourist destination.
Additional reporting by PA
