Lockdown wrapup – we’ll fight another day, but Henrietta still in Shell’s hands

Once the police arrived on the scene, negotiations between authorities and the locked-down protesters resolved that if they stayed beyond 4:30, they would be arrested.  In the course of the day many passers-by honked and waved; some drove in from Ohio to see Henrietta after they heard about the lock-down on the internet; and several news crews reported on the action.

After three hours in the snow, those who were locked down to Henrietta the pig determined the spectacle had made their point well enough and decided to call it a day.   Shell never asked us before they imposed the threat of fracking on our food, air, and water.  In today’s action ordinary people found their voice and told the world about their own vision for the future of this region; safe food, a sustainable economy, and clean air and water.

However, although the police initially said we could keep Henrietta if the blockaders left by 4:30, ultimately Shell’s representatives prevailed, arguing that since Henrietta was on their property, they could do what they wished with her.  Once everyone unlocked, they quickly carried her back onto the well pad, where our giant paper-mache pig now sits incongruously amidst even larger tankers and heavy machinery.  Today our lockdown to Henrietta symbolized our connection to our farms and food, and our willingness to fight for it.  Tonight, Henrietta’s fate is in Shell’s hands, but we’re free to fight another day, our voices and our numbers are growing, and we won’t stop until we win.

And Shell, we want Henrietta home safe.  Stay tuned to for updates: #FreeHenrietta