Climate Activists Arrested Following Protest at Citi Headquarters in New York

By Makailah Gause and Chibuike Oguh

Dozens of climate activists were arrested after staging a protest at Citigroup’s headquarters in New York on Friday, part of a campaign they have dubbed the "Summer of Heat."

Various climate organizations are focusing their efforts on Wall Street banks, aiming to challenge their financial support for fossil fuel projects. According to the New York City Police Department, 61 protesters were arrested, while two others received summonses.

Roishetta Ozane, one of the organizers of the demonstration, stated, "Our family and friends were willing to be arrested because their lives are on the line in our communities that are surrounded by the pollution that Citi is financing."

In front of the bank’s Manhattan headquarters, participants chanted slogans such as "Hey Citi, get off it, the planet over profit," and held signs that read, "Citi Earns While the World Burns."

A representative for the bank indicated that it is open to engaging with stakeholders and claims to be transparent about its climate initiatives. "We are supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy through our net zero commitments and our $1 trillion sustainable finance goal," the spokesperson said. "Our approach reflects the need to transition while also continuing to meet global energy needs."

The organizers had anticipated over 1,000 participants for the protest, but it was unclear how many actually attended. By midday, the gathering appeared to have significantly diminished, according to a witness.

Citigroup employees were notified in advance to expect "significant protest" activity on Friday. A source within the bank shared this security alert. Earlier this month, on June 10, multiple protesters had been arrested outside Citigroup’s headquarters, with 23 of them later receiving criminal court summonses.