Incidents of objects being thrown at politicians

Overview of incidents involving objects thrown at politicians

Incidents of objects being thrown at politicians are events where individuals throw objects at political figures, often as a form of protest or expression of dissent. These incidents can range from harmless pranks to serious assaults, and they have occurred throughout history in various parts of the world.

Notable Incidents

Shoe Throwing

The shoe-throwing incident involving President George W. Bush.

One of the most famous incidents of shoe throwing occurred on December 14, 2008, when George W. Bush, the then-President of the United States, was visiting Baghdad, Iraq. During a press conference, an Iraqi journalist named Muntadhar al-Zaidi threw his shoes at President Bush, shouting "This is a farewell kiss from the Iraqi people, you dog!" The incident was widely covered by the media and became a symbol of protest against the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Glitter Bombing

Vermin Supreme glitterbombing Randall Terry.

Glitter bombing is a form of protest where activists throw glitter on politicians to draw attention to issues such as LGBT rights. One notable incident occurred in 2012 when Vermin Supreme, a performance artist and activist, glitterbombed Randall Terry, an anti-abortion activist, during a campaign event. This act was intended to highlight Terry's controversial views and to promote awareness of LGBT issues.

Egg Throwing

Egg throwing has been a common form of protest against politicians. In 2001, John Prescott, the then Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was hit by an egg thrown by a protester during a visit to Wales. Prescott famously retaliated by punching the protester, an act that was caught on camera and widely publicized.

Pie Throwing

Pie throwing, often seen as a humorous form of protest, has been used against various politicians. In 1998, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, was hit in the face with a pie by a Belgian prankster while visiting Brussels. Although not a politician, this incident highlighted the use of pie throwing as a form of public dissent.

Motivations and Implications

The motivations behind throwing objects at politicians can vary widely. Some individuals may be motivated by political grievances, while others may see it as an opportunity for public attention or media coverage. The implications of such actions can be significant, leading to increased security measures for public figures and sometimes resulting in legal consequences for the perpetrators.

Security Measures

In response to these incidents, security measures for politicians have been heightened. This includes increased use of bodyguards, security screenings at events, and the establishment of barriers between politicians and the public. These measures aim to protect public figures while balancing the need for accessibility and public engagement.

Related Pages

• Protest
• Political activism
• Security measures for public figures