Full Breakdown
Retrial of Palestine Action Activists Over Elbit Systems UK Raid
4/26/2026, 12:44:57 PM
Core Event: Sledgehammer Attack and Court Testimony
On Thursday, Woolwich Crown Court heard Samuel Corner, a 23-year-old Palestine Action activist, explain why he struck Sergeant Kate Evans with sledgehammer during August 6 2024 raid on Elbit Systems’ UK factory near Bristol. Corner said he acted after hearing “someone screaming” and fearing fellow activist was being harmed. Sgt Evans suffered a fractured spine and remains on restricted duty. Retrial follows prior jury verdict that acquitted six defendants of aggravated burglary but left criminal-damage and violent-disorder charges undecided.
Background, Context, and Timeline
The August 6 2024 raid on Elbit Systems’ UK factory, carried out ten months after the October 7 2023 Hamas attack that sparked the Gaza war, caused about £1 million in damage. Six activists used sledgehammers and crowbars to destroy computers, drones and other equipment. After a separate RAF base break-in, the UK government proscribed Palestine Action in July 2025; the High Court later deemed the proscription unlawful but let it stay pending appeal. Retrial began in 2026, focusing on the sledgehammer assault.
Key Figures & Groups
Samuel Corner, the 23-year-old activist who struck the officer, and Sgt Kate Evans, injured police officer, are central. Palestine Action seeks to “shut Elbit down.” Elbit Systems UK is targeted Israeli defence subsidiary.
Data & Statistics
The raid caused roughly £1 million in damage. One officer suffered a fractured spine; no other injuries were reported. Six activists face criminal-damage and violent-disorder charges.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC called the assault “completely unreasonable” and challenged Corner’s justification. Police and Jewish communal groups condemned the earlier acquittal as undermining public safety. The government upheld the ban on Palestine Action despite the High Court’s procedural and legal ruling.
Criticism & Opposition
Lawmakers and police officials denounced the raid as an unlawful escalation, citing the officer’s severe injury. Jewish community leaders called the attack an affront to democratic protest standards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It seemed reasonable to do something and I had to act quickly.” — Samuel Corner, Palestine Action activist
- “would never want to seriously hurt anyone” — Samuel Corner, Palestine Action activist (character reference)
- “Did you hit her because you thought she was a security guard and she was complicit with Elbit?” — Deanna Heer KC, Prosecutor
- “Do you agree that, whatever you may have thought, it was completely unreasonable to hit Sgt Evans with a sledgehammer?” — Deanna Heer KC, Prosecutor
What’s Next
The retrial will continue next week, with jurors expected to decide on criminal-damage and violent-disorder charges. A conviction could bring custodial sentences and intensify scrutiny of Palestine Action, while an acquittal may spark further debate over protest limits.
