Gov. Healy event interrupted by climate protest in Waltham

By AUBREY HAWKE
Waltham Times Contributing Writer

Climate protesters interrupted Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey’s speech at an event in Waltham last Thursday. 

A dozen or so protesters stormed the stage just minutes after Healey started to speak at the Associated Industries of Massachusetts Executive Forum at the Westin hotel on Third Avenue. 

The protesters carried large banners calling Healey a “climate coward” and a “sellout.” The protesters said they were affiliated with climate activism groups Climate Defiance and Extinction Rebellion Boston. 

Healey quickly left the stage and exited the room after the protesters appeared. 

The protesters followed Healey out of the room, chanting “Off fossil fuels, Healey. Off fossil fuels!”

The protesters defended their actions, saying such actions are needed to draw attention to what they see as the need for urgent change.

“I was a member of Gov. Healey’s Youth Climate Council, where our voices were ignored. If we don’t act now, my future will be destroyed. I need to speak to Gov. Healey in a way she cannot ignore. She must pledge to stop all new fossil fuel projects in the Commonwealth. LA is burning! North Carolina is flooding! Massachusetts will burn, too, if we don’t act right now,” 18-year-old protester Jo Almond stated in a Climate Defiance press release on the event. 

The protesters were herded out of the building and Healey returned to the stage just moments later to continue her address. 

The audience, made up of approximately 500 industry leaders, gave Healey a standing ovation as she retook the stage. Waltham politicians, including  State Rep. Thomas Stanley and Waltham Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy, were in attendance. 

Healey did not address the protesters or their statements. She focused on other government and industry topics, including her concerns about President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs and how they could affect Massachusetts.