Gathering Voices: How 4 Elders Took the Military-Industrial Complex to Court—And Won!
In a stunning verdict, a judge ruled in favor of 4 elders who entered L3Harris and called for a citizens’ arrest of its CEO
In March 2025, four elders from Demilitarize Western Massachusetts entered the lobby of the Northampton plant of war conglomerate L3Harris Technologies—maker of parts for bombs, F-35 fighters, tanks and other weapons being used in Gaza; surveillance gear for Israel, ICE and the Border Patrol; and components of nuclear weapons and submarines carrying nuclear missiles. They were arrested and charged with trespassing and disturbing the peace while delivering a warrant calling for a citizens’ arrest of L3Harris’s CEO Chris Kubasik for violating federal and international laws by selling and supplying weapons to Israel.
In a preliminary court hearing, the activists refused to plead guilty or plea bargain. They demanded a trial and appeared before Northampton District Judge Mary Beth Ogulewicz on December 23rd. Shortly thereafter she issued a ruling in their favor, finding the defendants “Not Responsible” on all counts.
In this one-hour Gathering Voices webinar, the activists, their allies and key advocates share how they did it—and how you too can take the military-industrial complex to court…and win!
Exonerated Guests
Nick Mottern – Demilitarize Western Massachusetts, Weaponized Drone Ban Treaty Campaign
Paki Wieland – Demilitarize Western Massachusetts, Code Pink
Trish Gallagher – Demilitarize Western Massachusetts
Priscilla Lynch – Local Activist
Guests Who Provided Affidavits of Support
Dr. Noam Perry – American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Action Center for Corporate Accountability, Strategic Research Coordinator
Dr. Stellan Vinthagen – War Resisters International (WRI), Director Resistance Studies Initiative at UMass
Special Guest
Kathy Kelly – President of World BEYOND War, Global Solidarity for Peace in Palestine Coalition. Kathy faced similar charges but was not acquitted, and spent 18 months in prison.
