77‑year-old sentenced to 48 years for killing climate activists

Kenneth Darlington cold-bloodedly shot at protesting environmental activists in November last year. The man has been officially sentenced.

Activism takes many forms, including peaceful marches, demonstrations, road blockades, banner hanging, sticker placement in public spaces, and organizing events and happenings. The most radical activists do not shy away from actions such as pouring paint on artworks, painting historical monuments or nature monuments, and destroying someone else's property—typically targeting large corporations and millionaires.

Climate activists, who seem ready to do anything to fight for the planet's health, are particularly controversial. Last Generation, Just Stop Oil, and Extinction Rebellion are just some international organizations loudly protesting environmental neglect.

In November 2023, we reported that activists blocked a road in Panama to protest the opening of an open-pit copper mine. Seventy-seven-year-old Kenneth Darlington, who was passing through, demanded that the activists let the cars pass. When they refused, the man shot at them several times, killing two people.

One of Kenneth Darlington's victims died on the spot, while the other succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital. The man was immediately detained and taken into custody. The Attorney General's Office announced on Tuesday, June 11, that he was found guilty of intentional manslaughter and illegal possession of a firearm.

After the shooting, Darlington fled the scene, but journalists were present and recorded the moment he fired at the group of protesting activists. He has been officially sentenced to 48 years in prison.