Climate activist banned from shopping mall after blowing bubbles at shoppers

Benjamin Rank

19 Aug 2025 — 2 min read

A self-proclaimed climate activist got more than he bargained for when his bubble-blowing protest went wrong at Riverside Mall.

Man in casual clothes blowing soap bubbles inside a crowded shopping mall

Shoppers Left Stunned by Bizarre Protest

James Mitchell, 23, thought he had the perfect way to make people think about air pollution. His plan? Blow soap bubbles in shoppers' faces as they walked by.

The stunt quickly backfired when several customers complained to mall security about being hit with soapy water.

"I was just trying to buy shoes with my kids," said Sarah Thompson, a local mother of two. "Then this guy starts blowing bubbles right in our faces. My daughter got soap in her eyes."

Security guard speaking with a young man while shoppers look on

Security Steps In

Mall security found Mitchell near the food court, still armed with his bubble-blowing kit and protest signs.

"He kept saying the bubbles were supposed to show how we breathe in pollution every day," explained head of security Tom Roberts. "But you can't just go around spraying things at people."

Several shoppers had to wipe soap residue off their clothes and phones.

Not His First Protest Gone Wrong

Local store owners recognized Mitchell from previous attention-seeking stunts at the mall.

Last month, he tried to stick himself to the window of a burger restaurant with paper glue. The adhesive didn't work.

Two weeks ago, he attempted to pour milk on the floor of a clothing store. Staff stopped him before he could open the carton.

The Final Straw

Mall management has now banned Mitchell for six months.

"We support everyone's right to protest peacefully, but not when it involves harassing our customers or creating safety hazards," said mall manager Linda Peters.

Mitchell faces a small fine for disorderly conduct. He must also pay cleaning costs for the soap residue left on store windows.

When asked about future protests, Mitchell said he would "think of something better next time." The mall's lawyers hope he won't.

Local police remind activists that protests must follow safety guidelines and respect private property rules.

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