An international climate activist group has claimed responsibility for deflating tires on 43 SUVs in Boston’s tony Beacon Hill neighborhood — and leaving behind preachy notes warning vehicle owners: “Your gas guzzler kills.”
In a blog post, the group, which calls themselves the Tyre Extinguishers and claims to have 15,000 members worldwide, explained that Wednesday night’s stunt was their first foray into Boston, and that activists only targeted “large, luxury gas powered SUVs.”
The eco-warriors noted that they spared hybrid, electric and handicapped-marked vehicles.
“SUVs and 4x4s are a disaster for our health, our public safety and our climate. Bigger and bigger cars are dominating our towns and cities, and all so a privileged few can flaunt their wealth,” Tyre Extinguishers wrote on their website. “Because governments and politicians have failed to protect us from this danger, we must protect ourselves.”
The environmental campaigners said they chose to target SUV owners living in Beacon Hill because of the area’s high concentration of wealth.
Patronizing letters tucked beneath windshield wipers on the vandalized vehicles read in part: “We have deflated one or more of your tires. You’ll be angry, but don’t take it personally. It’s not you, it’s your car.”
“We did this because driving around urban areas in your massive vehicle has huge consequences for others. This is a machine that destroys life with terrifying efficiency.”
SUV owners who woke up to find their tires deflated were reassured: “You will have no difficulty getting around without your gas guzzler, with walking, cycling or public transit.”
The Boston Police Department has confirmed that officers responded to vandalism reports along Mount Vernon Street on Thursday morning and were investigating the incident, reported Boston Herald. Some 10 victims have been interviewed, but so far no arrests have been made.