A climate protest in Copenhagen on New Year’s Eve turned violent when activist Oskar Kluge was knocked down by a royal guard and later assaulted by a spectator. Despite backlash and legal charges, the activist says he will not change tactics.
New Year’s Eve Protest Turns Confrontational
A demonstration at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen escalated unexpectedly this New Year’s Eve. Climate activist Oskar Kluge from the group Nødbremsen stepped forward during the Danish Royal Guard’s ceremonial march, carrying a banner reading “Climate collapse – pull the emergency brake.”
Moments later, a guard pushed him to the ground, an incident that quickly circulated online. The short clip has become this year’s first viral video. Kluge insists, however, that the focus should remain on the message behind the protest rather than the shove itself.
Activist Alleges Assault After the Push
The situation did not end with the guard’s reaction. According to Kluge, a spectator from the crowd physically attacked him afterward, striking him in the face. He described how other bystanders intervened to help, handing him a tissue for his bleeding lip.
Images show him with a swollen mouth, which he says was the result of the altercation. He is now considering filing complaints against both the guard and the unidentified attacker.
Meanwhile, the Royal Guard’s spokesperson, Thomas Helbro Reimann, stated that guards are authorized to ensure order at the palace at all times. As he noted, anyone entering restricted areas or disrupting ceremonies can be required to move. The military maintains that the guard acted appropriately in restoring calm on the square.
Protest With a Familiar Face
Kluge, 24 years old, is no newcomer to public activism. He was previously active with Extinction Rebellion and gained attention in 2023 when Nødbremsen members spray-painted Copenhagen’s City Hall Square Christmas tree orange. His latest stunt aimed to draw attention to Denmark’s lack of aggressive climate policies.
The group Nødbremsen, whose name translates to “Emergency Brake,” has been involved in several climate protests demanding structural reform. Members say their goal is to press the Danish government to take real responsibility for reducing emissions and averting environmental collapse.
Legal Consequences and Public Reaction
The New Year’s protest did not win Kluge many supporters among onlookers. He faced loud booing as he stood before the royal guards, and he was later charged with violating Denmark’s public order laws. Despite the incident and the criticism, he remains defiant.
From what he has said, he believes people can disagree with his methods yet still understand the urgency behind his cause. “It might annoy some, but the real threat is the climate crisis, not peaceful demonstration,” he told DR News.
The activist views the action as part of a growing wave of dissident climate movements using direct action to spark national debate. Across Denmark, environmental advocates and even environmental lawyers have called for stricter accountability measures for the government and major polluters.
Continuing the Campaign
Even though the push and the alleged assault dominated online discussions, Kluge insists the protest’s core message should not be overshadowed. He emphasizes that his group will keep organizing actions to challenge political inaction on the climate.
For now, the incident has sparked widespread conversation in Denmark about the limits of protest and state security, and about how far citizens can go to call attention to the climate emergency.
Despite the uncertain outcome of the possible complaints, Kluge says he will stay active. According to him, tactics like public disruption remain essential to keeping climate issues visible. “We will continue,” he said, remaining unwavering in his stance.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Thousands March as Copenhagen Demands Local Climate Action
The Danish Dream: Best Environmental Lawyers in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Han blev slået i hovedet og endte på røven efter nytårets mest omtalte skub: ‘Kommer ikke til at ændre strategi’
