Activists plead not guilty in Trump Tower banner hanging

CHICAGO (AP) - Four Greenpeace activists accused of unfurling a banner from Trump Tower in Chicago last month to protest the president's stance on global warming have pleaded not guilty to felony charges.

The Cook County State's Attorney's office says the four entered the pleas Friday to two counts each of felony criminal damage to property.

The massive banner was emblazoned with the environmental group's name and the words "resist" and "defend." The word "defend" covered a picture of the Earth.

Greenpeace USA has called the charges "grossly inflated" and an attempt "to chill lawful protest." The protest took place on July 7.

Prosecutors say the charge is punishable with probation or up to five years in prison.

The case is next due in court Sept. 22.