Clashes between hooded protesters and Italian police escalated into chaotic scenes on Saturday as the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opened in Italy. The demonstrations, organized by the Unsustainable Olympics Committee, aimed to highlight concerns about the environmental, economic, and social impact of the Games.
Tensions came to a head near an Olympic ice hockey rink, where protesters were met with water cannons and tear gas. Fireworks exploded amidst the confrontation, casting a chaotic glow over the scene. Police vans secured the area behind temporary metal fences, but the protesters veered away, continuing their route towards the Santagiulia venue.
Meanwhile, at least five individuals were taken into custody as part of a global travel alert issued by security firm Global Guardian. The alert warned of heightened security and disruptions in the affected area over the coming hours, advising plot route bypasses and avoiding all protests.
A separate protest took place several miles away, where thousands gathered for a peaceful demonstration. The group carried cardboard cutouts representing trees felled to build new infrastructure, while dancers performed with drums and music blasting from a truck leading the march. Anti-ICE chants filled the air as protesters demanded action over immigration concerns.
In stark contrast to the earlier clashes, banners at the larger demonstration read "Let's take back the cities and free the mountains" and "We want trees not steel". The Association of Proletariat Excursionists had organized the cutout trees, highlighting the environmental costs of hosting major sporting events.
Despite reports of disruptions during the Olympics' opening day, officials confirmed that athletes transfers did not appear to have been affected by the protests. However, for many protesters, it seems the real show is just beginning – as they vow to keep up a relentless pressure on those in power over the coming weeks and months.
Tensions came to a head near an Olympic ice hockey rink, where protesters were met with water cannons and tear gas. Fireworks exploded amidst the confrontation, casting a chaotic glow over the scene. Police vans secured the area behind temporary metal fences, but the protesters veered away, continuing their route towards the Santagiulia venue.
Meanwhile, at least five individuals were taken into custody as part of a global travel alert issued by security firm Global Guardian. The alert warned of heightened security and disruptions in the affected area over the coming hours, advising plot route bypasses and avoiding all protests.
A separate protest took place several miles away, where thousands gathered for a peaceful demonstration. The group carried cardboard cutouts representing trees felled to build new infrastructure, while dancers performed with drums and music blasting from a truck leading the march. Anti-ICE chants filled the air as protesters demanded action over immigration concerns.
In stark contrast to the earlier clashes, banners at the larger demonstration read "Let's take back the cities and free the mountains" and "We want trees not steel". The Association of Proletariat Excursionists had organized the cutout trees, highlighting the environmental costs of hosting major sporting events.
Despite reports of disruptions during the Olympics' opening day, officials confirmed that athletes transfers did not appear to have been affected by the protests. However, for many protesters, it seems the real show is just beginning – as they vow to keep up a relentless pressure on those in power over the coming weeks and months.
. people are finally speaking out against the environmental and social damage that these massive sporting events can cause. it's like they say, "you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs" - someone's gotta crack open the conversation about the real cost of hosting the Olympics.
. just some awareness and action to reduce their impact on the environment. it's time we stop treating these events as above criticism and start seeing them as a reflection of our values as a society.
. those cardboard cutouts with trees are genius 
. it's like they're trying to turn the narrative around and show that there's a better way forward.
, can't believe this... Italy's Winter Olympics turned into a complete mess already 
. Clashes between protesters and police are so not what you want on Opening Day 
. I mean, those Unsustainable Olympics Committee folks were just trying to highlight some serious concerns about the Games' impact, but do they have to get violent? 
The environmental aspect is super valid btw 
, all that new infrastructure built for the games... it's like, what's the point if we're just gonna destroy the planet? 
. Those people were actually making a statement about immigration concerns too 
, and I can respect that 
. It's like, we need more of this kind of activism, not just a bunch of violent protests that just end up getting folks arrested or worse 
.
...
. And let's not forget those fireworks – who needs that kind of chaos in their life? 
On the other hand, I'm all for peaceful protests like the one at the Santagiulia venue, where people were carrying cardboard cutouts representing trees felled to build infrastructure 
.
. The fact that the Association of Proletariat Excursionists organized a peaceful demonstration with "Let's take back the cities and free the mountains" banners shows that there are definitely people who care about these issues and want to create change 
.
Can you believe the Olympics are open already? It's like we're trying to burn the earth before we even get the souvenir t-shirts! 
. And the fact that thousands showed up peacefully is amazing 
. I'm definitely feeling inspired to get involved in activism on my own campus... maybe our school can organize something similar 
the unsustainable olympics committee should focus on their message not put people in harm's way 
hope that can be a positive vibe for change
Chaos at the Winter Olympics! What's the point of sports when you're protesting environmental destruction? 
Protests might disrupt Olympics but athletes will still find ways to compete...and probably make more money 
. I was watching the protests online and it's crazy to see people taking a stand like that. Those protesters in Milan are not afraid to make their voices heard, you know? 
And those cardboard cutouts with trees on them? Genius! 
. The Unsustainable Olympics Committee might be a bit dramatic, but they're onto something here 
. It's time we take back control of our cities and make sure that the mountains and forests are protected for future generations 
The environmental angle is huge, though - those cardboard cutouts were pretty powerful 