Seven charged over Trump Scottish golf course damage
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The gist
Seven people charged over vandalism at Trump's Turnberry golf resort in Scotland. Prosecutors allege a 'terrorist connection' could lengthen sentences.
Background
On March 8, 2025, activists targeted Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire, Scotland, digging up turf, spraying weedkiller, and painting slogans like 'Gaza is not 4 sale'. The incident occurred amid tensions over the Gaza conflict. The indictment, released in August 2026, charges seven individuals with malicious damage, with prosecutors seeking harsher penalties due to an alleged terrorist connection, linked to the UK's designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist group.
How it unfolded
- Mar 8, 2025Activists vandalized Trump Turnberry resort: dug up turf, sprayed weedkiller, painted slogans including 'Gaza is not 4 sale'.
- Mar 13, 2025Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and Eric Trump condemned the vandalism in a meeting.
- Aug 28, 2026Indictment released charging seven people with malicious damage, alleging a 'terrorist connection'.
- Aug 31, 2026First court appearance scheduled, later adjourned to October.
Who’s saying what
- Prosecution
- The offense is aggravated by a terrorist connection, justifying longer sentences if convicted.
- Defend Our Juries
- The terrorist designation could lead to far longer prison sentences even though no terrorism charges were filed.
Still unverified
The specific link to Palestine Action is alleged by prosecutors but not confirmed in court.