Pennsylvanians Against Fracking is a statewide coalition of groups representing a diversity of issues, backgrounds and locations, united in the mission of achieving a ban on fracking in the commonwealth, according to its website, paagainstfracking.org.
Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) states that its driving philosophy is based on the the belief "that every sentient being – black or white, gay or straight, dog or cat, human or rat – deserves the same safety, happiness, and freedom that we ask for ourselves. The movement is growing rapidly, as people of conscience tear off their moral blindfolds and see the raging violence against non-human animals for what it is: an atrocity."
A little after 10 a.m., as Governor Wolf began his speech inside the Main Arena, DxE activists infiltrated the platform where he was speaking - and where dignitaries and others were seated - and attempted to disrupt the speech by carrying signs and banners and shouting their message. Simultaneously, anti-fracking activists seated strategically around the arena, began shouting, also. Pennsylvania State Police quickly escorted the activists out of the arena as Wolf continued his speech.
Inside the Main Arena, anti-fracking activists unfurled a banner with the message "Farms not fracking" during opening ceremonies, but removed it at the request of State Police. Actor James Cromwell is seen in the above photo, resting his head on his hand.
Governor Tom Wolf began his opening speech at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show. A sign language interpreter can be seen on the right.
A few minutes into the speech, DxE activists infiltrated the platform where Wolf was speaking and attempted to disrupt but were quickly led away by State Police, as the speech continued.
Police escorted activists outside without incident.
Afterwards, police denied anti-fracking activists entry to the building.
