ICYMI: 76-Year-Old California Woman Sentenced to Jail for Protests at Beale Air Force Base
A 76-year-old California woman is sentenced to jail after protesting at Beale Air Force Base, continuing decades of activism despite legal consequences. 🌐 #News #SacramentoCA #California #Crime
SACRAMENTO, CA – A 76-year-old retired social worker, Shirley L. Osgood, is facing five days in jail after being convicted of trespassing during protests at Beale Air Force Base in California. Known for her decades-long activism, Osgood has once again found herself at the center of a legal battle, standing firm in her beliefs despite repeated legal consequences.
Conviction and Sentencing
Osgood was convicted of two counts of unauthorized entry onto a military installation during a one-day bench trial. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California announced the sentence, which includes five days of jail time, 100 hours of community service, and one year of probation.
The charges stem from incidents on October 19, 2023, and March 14, 2024, when Osgood entered Beale Air Force Base to protest. During the trial, she admitted to knowing she was trespassing, explaining that her actions were an attempt to speak with the base commander. Despite being repeatedly warned to stay off the property, she persisted in her efforts, citing her motivations as tied to her anti-military stance.
A Long History of Civil Disobedience
This is not Osgood’s first encounter with legal consequences related to her activism. In 2013, she was sentenced to community service for trespassing at Beale Air Force Base during protests against drone activity. Four years later, in 2017, she was arrested during a protest at a Monsanto facility.
Osgood’s activism continued in November 2024, when she was arrested alongside a retired minister at Travis Air Force Base. The pair was protesting the supply chain of weapons to Israel, an act they claimed was part of a larger effort to block U.S. involvement in the conflict in Gaza.
Speaking to the Grass Valley Union about her recent arrests, Osgood said, “I think there are a lot more people in our country against what we are doing in Gaza than supporting it, but the administration and Congress are unresponsive to what the people want. Civil disobedience is the only thing that worked in the past, in the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War.”
She has also encouraged others to take part in monthly ceasefire vigils at Beale Air Force Base, emphasizing the importance of collective action in challenging military policies.
The Broader Implications of Her Activism
Osgood’s actions reflect ongoing tensions between activists and military installations, highlighting the legal risks individuals face when engaging in civil disobedience. Her protests have also sparked broader conversations about U.S. foreign policy and public accountability.
While critics argue that her methods disrupt essential military operations, supporters see her as a steadfast advocate for peace and transparency. Her willingness to face jail time underscores her belief that civil disobedience is a powerful tool for enacting change, even in the face of repeated legal consequences.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | California
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