Protesters use orange powder paint to make a statement at Stonehenge in Britain

LONDON — Environmental protesters sprayed an orange substance across part of Britain’s Stonehenge on Wednesday afternoon.

British environmental activist group Just Stop Oil posted video of the incident on X, the social media platform, showing two of its supporters spraying three of the stones within the prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain in England’s Wiltshire county. Both people were subsequently arrested, according to the group, which also posted video of police taking the two campaigners into custody.

Just Stop Oil wrote in a post on X that the sprayed substance is “orange powder paint” and “is made of cornstarch, which will wash away in the rain.”

“But the urgent need for effective government action to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of the climate and ecological crisis will not,” the group added.

A Just Stop Oil spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday that the action at Stonehenge came as the group demands the British government commits “to a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030.”

A spokesperson for English Heritage, the charity that cares for Stonehenge and hundreds of other historic sites in England, confirmed to ABC News that “orange powdered paint has been thrown at a number of the stones at Stonehenge.”

“Obviously, this is extremely upsetting and our curators are investigating the extent of the damage,” the spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday. “Stonehenge remains open to the public.”

Protesters have recently made a bold statement at the iconic Stonehenge monument in Britain by using orange powder paint to draw attention to their cause. The use of this vibrant color against the ancient stones has sparked both controversy and intrigue, as onlookers try to decipher the meaning behind the protest.

The protesters, who have not been identified, arrived at Stonehenge early in the morning and began throwing orange powder paint onto the stones and surrounding grass. The bright hue stood out starkly against the gray stones, creating a striking visual contrast that drew immediate attention from visitors and passersby.

While the exact message of the protest remains unclear, the use of orange powder paint is significant in itself. Orange is often associated with energy, enthusiasm, and creativity, making it a powerful symbol for those looking to make a statement. In this case, the protesters may be using the color to symbolize their passion and commitment to their cause.

Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back thousands of years, holds immense cultural and historical significance for the people of Britain and beyond. The use of orange powder paint on such a revered monument has sparked debate about the appropriate ways to protest and make a statement in today’s society.

Some have criticized the protesters for defacing a national treasure, arguing that there are more respectful ways to voice their concerns. Others have praised the boldness and creativity of the protest, seeing it as a powerful way to draw attention to important issues.

Regardless of one’s opinion on the protest, it has certainly succeeded in sparking conversation and raising awareness. The use of orange powder paint at Stonehenge serves as a reminder of the power of art and symbolism in making a statement, and the importance of engaging with history and heritage in new and unexpected ways.

As the orange powder paint slowly fades from the stones, the memory of this protest will linger on, prompting reflection on the intersection of art, history, and activism at one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks.