Full Breakdown
Palestine Action Activists on Trial for Break-in at Elbit Systems Factory
4/16/2026, 5:46:34 AM
Incident Overview
On August 6, 2024, six activists from Palestine Action broke into an Elbit Systems factory in Filton, near Bristol, with the intent to cause extensive damage. The group, dressed in red jumpsuits, used an old prison van to crash through security barriers and entered the facility armed with tools such as sledgehammers and crowbars. Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC stated that the activists aimed to "smash up as much property as possible" before police intervention. The defendants—Samuel Corner, Charlotte Head, Leona Kamio, Fatema Zainab Rajwani, Zoe Rogers, and Jordan Devlin—are charged with criminal damage, with Corner facing an additional charge of grievous bodily harm (GBH) for allegedly assaulting a police officer.
Actions and Damage
Inside the factory, the activists reportedly destroyed drones, computers, and other equipment manufactured by Elbit Systems. They also vandalized the premises by spraying fire extinguishers filled with red paint on the walls and floor. The prosecution described the tools used, including sledgehammers weighing 7 pounds (3.2 kg), as capable of inflicting significant damage. The group’s actions were premeditated, as indicated by planning documents found on an encrypted website, which outlined their objective to "Shut Elbit Down."
Assault on Police
The trial revealed that when police arrived, Corner allegedly assaulted Sgt. Kate Evans with a sledgehammer, striking her twice in the back. Evans reportedly screamed in pain and feared she had sustained a spinal injury, which later resulted in her being unable to work for three months. The prosecution emphasized that Corner's actions were unjustifiable, as Evans posed no threat at the time.
Legal Proceedings
The trial is ongoing at Woolwich Crown Court, where the defendants have denied all charges. In a recent development, three of the activists—Head, Corner, and Kamio—were acquitted of a charge of violent disorder, with the judge instructing jurors to focus solely on the evidence presented and to disregard any external opinions regarding Palestine Action or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the activists argue that their actions constitute criminal behavior that undermines lawful protest. The prosecution has framed the break-in as a calculated act of vandalism rather than a legitimate form of activism. Conversely, supporters of Palestine Action contend that their actions are a form of direct action against what they perceive as complicity in human rights violations by the Israeli military.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Johnson emphasized the importance of jurors remaining impartial, stating, "It is vitally important that you judge the case only on the evidence, not on the basis of what the defendants, or you, the home secretary, the government or anyone else thinks about Palestine Action." This directive aims to ensure that the trial remains focused on the specific legal issues at hand, rather than broader political sentiments.
What's Next
The trial continues as the jury hears evidence regarding the charges of criminal damage and GBH. The outcome may have implications for the ongoing debate surrounding Palestine Action and its designation as a terrorist organization, which is currently under legal scrutiny.
