Appeals Court Halts 25-Year Sentence for Climate Activist Over Terrorism Label

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the 25-year prison term imposed on Canadian activist Cameron Smith, determining that the district court improperly used a terrorism sentencing enhancement. The panel, comprising Chief Judge Steven Colloton, Judge Raymond Gruender and Judge Jonathan A. Kobes, held that a desire for media attention does not satisfy the legal definition of a motive to intimidate. Smith, who admitted in September 2024 to shooting at a substation in Ray, North Dakota, and a pipeline facility in South Dakota, caused over $100,000 in damage in each incident.

The original sentence, handed down by Judge Daniel Traynor in March 2025, had labeled the conduct as terrorism. Smith's attorney, Doug Passon, said the resentencing will seek a term consistent with standard guidelines, without the disputed enhancement. The matter now heads back to the federal district court in North Dakota for a new sentencing hearing.