In the twilight zone of American politics, radical activists have somehow convinced themselves that destroying property, disrupting lives, and causing millions in damages isn’t terrorism—it’s “activism.” These self-appointed saviors of Mother Earth have been setting fires, blocking roads, and vandalizing businesses while the liberal media dutifully portrays them as passionate idealists rather than the criminals they are. Remember when throwing soup at priceless artwork was just “starting a conversation”?

How many times have we watched news anchors solemnly report on these “protests” with sympathetic undertones, carefully avoiding words like “vandalism,” “destruction,” or heaven forbid, “terrorism”? The kid gloves treatment has emboldened eco-warriors to push the envelope further and further, secure in the knowledge that their cause provides a convenient shield against serious consequences.

But justice, though slow, occasionally arrives. And for one Canadian climate crusader, the bill has come due—with interest.

Pipeline Saboteur Gets More Than He Bargained For

Cameron Smith probably thought he was being a hero. The 50-year-old Canadian had apparently grown tired of writing strongly-worded letters about climate change and decided direct action was needed. His target? America’s energy infrastructure. But did he ever stop to think that shooting up pipelines might land him in prison longer than some murderers?

From ‘The Post Millennial’:

“Smith pleaded guilty in September to charges of destroying energy facilities. The attacks occurred in 2022 near Carpenter, South Dakota, and in 2023 near Ray, North Dakota. US District Judge Daniel Traynor handed down two consecutive 12-year-and-6-month sentences—far exceeding the federal guideline range of 3.5 to 4.25 years per count.”

The damage wasn’t trivial. Smith’s attacks caused $1.7 million in damages, disrupted power to hundreds of customers, and forced the shutdown of a Keystone XL Pipeline pump station. His weapon of choice? A high-powered rifle, which he used to shoot up transformers and pipeline equipment.

For his trouble, Smith received a 25-year federal prison sentence, deportation upon release, and orders to pay over $2.1 million in restitution and fines. Suddenly, climate activism doesn’t seem quite so glamorous.

When “Awareness” Becomes Terrorism

Smith’s defense attorney tried the usual playbook, describing his client as a “hyper-aware individual wanting to create awareness about climate change.” Because nothing says “awareness” quite like shooting up critical infrastructure with a rifle. You have to wonder: if this is raising awareness, what would actual sabotage look like?

The judge wasn’t buying it. In a refreshing display of clarity, US District Judge Daniel Traynor called Smith’s actions exactly what they were: terrorism.

“You ignored the rule of law in the United States and carried out your actions in a terrorist manner,” Judge Traynor told Smith. “You did not engage in this conduct on a whim. You committed two separate attacks on critical infrastructure 10 months apart and traveled a great distance to do so.”

Smith, apparently shocked that his environmental justifications didn’t win judicial sympathy, complained that the sentence was “tantamount to a life sentence” and that he “won’t survive this.” Perhaps he should have considered the consequences before twice crossing an international border to attack American energy facilities.

America’s Infrastructure Isn’t Your Political Playground

What makes this case particularly significant is the terrorism designation. Prosecutor David Hagler successfully argued that Smith’s actions fit the definition of terrorism by “attempting to intimidate or coerce a civilian population.”

This sets an important precedent. While left-leaning media outlets have often reserved the “terrorism” label exclusively for certain ideological groups, this case establishes that attacks on critical infrastructure deserve the designation regardless of the perpetrator’s claimed motivation. Funny how “fighting for the planet” sounds noble until you’re cutting power to hospitals and homes in the middle of winter.

The reality is that America’s energy grid, pipelines, and utilities aren’t abstract political symbols—they’re the literal lifelines that keep our economy running and our homes warm. When ideologues target these systems, they’re not making a statement; they’re endangering lives and livelihoods.

Smith’s case should serve as a warning to others who might be contemplating similar “direct action.” The justice system may move slowly, but when it catches up, the consequences can be severe. Twenty-five years is a long time to contemplate whether your “statement” was worth it.

Key Takeaways:

• The man who attacked a pipeline and U.S. energy sentenced to 25 years in prison.
• Ruling judge called the man’s crimes “terrorism.”
• This comes after liberals have called acts of violence “protests.”

Source: The Post Millennial