Donald Trump has labeled the vandals at his prestigious Turnberry golf course as “terrorists.”
The incident occurred early on March 8 at the Trump Turnberry resort in Ayrshire, Scotland, and prompted a police response. Palestine Action activists admitted responsibility for the damage done to the resort, which has hosted the Open Championship four times, citing a protest against what they claim is a US-backed plan “to ethnically cleanse Gaza.”
During their act of defiance, the vandals splattered red paint all over the clubhouse and damaged some greens on the 800-acre property. Additionally, they etched the message ‘Gaza is not for sale’ onto one of the lawns.
Kieran Robson, 33, of Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, appeared privately before Ayr Sheriff Court on Monday, charged with malicious mischief. Robson was scheduled for further examination and bailed until his next court appearance, despite not entering a plea.
Previously, two other people, aged 75 and 66, were arrested and later released in connection with the investigation, which Police Scotland say is still ongoing.
Speaking on Truth Social on Sunday, Mr. Trump stated: “I was just informed by Prime Minister [Sir Kier] Starmer of the United Kingdom that they had apprehended the terrorists who attacked the beautiful Turnberry in Scotland. They caused significant damage and will hopefully be punished harshly.”
Palestine Action has accepted responsibility for the vandalism, claiming it was a “direct response to the US administration’s stated intent to ethnically cleanse Gaza.”
Last month, President Trump sparked outrage when he declared his intention to claim Gaza, the epicenter of the Israel-Hamas conflict, and turn it into the “riviera of the Middle East.”
