Trespassing, Vandalism, and Peace Activism in Oak Ridge

The Takeaway

This week, three peace activists go on trial. They’re accused of breaking into one of the country’s most secure nuclear-weapons facilities.
The trio — a 57-year-old house-painter, a 64-year-old drifter, and an 83-year-old nun — managed to defy the multi-million dollar security apparatus of the Y-12 nuclear-weapons facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Sneaking inside, they spray-painted peace slogans, hung up a banner, and, for good measure, poured vials of blood of a fellow activist on the site.
Now, they’ve been charged with two felonies and could face up to 30 years in prison. How did these aging peace protesters manage to make their way into the facility? And why? Dan Zak, reporter with the Washington Post has been following their story.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!