Tensions flared during a Just Stop Oil protest in South Kensington, London on Wednesday, resulting in a physical altercation between a driver and a climate activist. The incident, captured on video by the Daily Mail, unfolded after the group's roadblock allegedly caused a car accident involving a pregnant woman.

Footage shows a woman exiting the crashed vehicle, pleading with protesters to stop, revealing her pregnancy. A man then emerges from the same car and confronts the activists, culminating in him punching one protester, identified as Daniel Knorr, and then stomping and kicking him while he was on the ground.

Knorr, who has been involved in previous Just Stop Oil demonstrations, including being carried off the cricket pitch at Lord's by Jonny Bairstow, stated he would not press charges against the driver. Expressing empathy for the driver's stressful situation, Knorr emphasized his belief that authorities should prioritize holding accountable those in positions of power within government and fossil fuel corporations, rather than focusing on individuals reacting to the protests.

Just Stop Oil defended the demonstration, highlighting the necessity of disruptive tactics while stating Knorr remained nonviolent throughout the ordeal. In a separate incident that same morning, two other Just Stop Oil activists spray-painted the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero building, reiterating their demand for a halt to all new oil-based projects.

These events follow a pattern of escalating tensions between Just Stop Oil protesters and the public, with increasingly frequent confrontations as commuters and citizens express frustration over the disruptive demonstrations. This incident underscores the growing public debate surrounding the effectiveness and acceptability of such protest tactics in addressing climate change.