Highlights

– Several ELF activists currently on trial for various direct actions
– Four ELF members recently charged for earlier arson attacks
– Increased attention on the cases could spark additional direct actions in the near to mid-term

Over the past several weeks, the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) has received increased media attention due to several ongoing trials of activists and new arrests in two arson attacks that occurred in 1999 and 2000. Additionally, recent arson attacks believed to be the work of ELF members against luxury homes in a Seattle suburb, has also increased focus on the organization (Previous Report).

While trials and other prosecutions of ELF activists have taken place consistently over the years, the current heightened press attention could serve to bring the recent cases into the spotlight among environmental extremists, and potentially encourage individuals to carry out further direct actions in the near to mid-term in support of the movement.

Current ELF Trials

On March 3, 2008, Tre Arrow, an individual tied to ELF, pleaded not guilty in a federal court to arson and other conspiracy charges. US officials allege that Arrow was involved in the destruction of concrete-mixing trucks in Portland, Oregon in April 2001 and in an arson attack against logging trucks in Mount Hood, Oregon in June 2001. Arrow is well known for his decision to scale a US Forest Services building in Portland in 2000 and to stay on a ledge for 11 days. Due to his involvement in previous arson attacks, Arrow was deemed a danger to the public and considered a flight risk. Arrow remains in custody at this time.

In a separate case, ELF member Briana Waters was convicted on March 6, 2008 for her role in the 2001 arson of the University of Washington’s Center for Urban Horticulture. Waters was accused of being the lookout for other ELF activists during the attack. At a detention hearing held on March 12, 2008, prosecutors alleged Waters also took part in an attack on the Litchfield Wild Horse and Burro Ranch in California in 2001. She will remain in custody until her sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for May 30, 2008.

ELF Members Charged for Earlier Attacks

On March 11, 2008, US officials announced charges against four individuals—Marie Mason, Frank Ambrose, Aren Burthwick, and Stephanie Fultz—for their role in two earlier attacks in Michigan. Authorities allege the four are connected to the 1999 arson attack against the genetic-engineering research offices of Michigan State University and the 2000 arson of commercial logging equipment in Wexford County. The fire at Michigan State University resulted in damages of US$1 million. The four individuals, all of whom are tied to ELF, face various charges punishable by five to 40 years in prison.

While the attacks took place over eight years ago, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has not released any details on what led to the recent arrests.

Outlook

The recent arrests of ELF activists and the ongoing cases against other members serve to highlight the success of US officials in particular instances in identifying and detaining those responsible for carrying out costly direct actions, and their ability to pursue these individuals even after a significant amount of time has passed. However, according to the FBI, ELF remains one of the greatest domestic threats to the US. FBI statistics have shown that ELF has been responsible for over 1,200 direct actions, or criminal acts, in the US alone, and has caused approximately US$100 million in damages. We continue to believe that due to the nature of the environmental movement, which is composed of anonymous small cells or lone individuals, identifying and arresting militant activists will remain a challenge to officials working to make further gains against the movement.

As ELF, as well as other environmental and animal rights groups, traditionally seek to emphasize the plight of “political prisoners” from the movement, the recent increased media attention on activist trials and arrests may serve to further bolster their belief that activists are treated (and convicted) unfairly by officials. Additionally, the recent trials and detainments continue to highlight the repercussions that some activists are willing to risk in the name of the broader movement, and therefore could inspire other militant members to engage in similar actions in order to further the cause.