Man arrested after 16-hour standoff atop London's Big Ben
What's the story
A man who climbed London's iconic Elizabeth Tower, unfurling a Palestinian flag, has been arrested. The man spent 16 hours on the tower at the Palace of Westminster before coming down voluntarily. He was heard shouting "free Palestine" as he made his way up on Saturday morning. He also told negotiators he would come down only on his own terms.
Response efforts
Emergency services and police coordinate response
Emergency services, including the London Fire Brigade and specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police, collaborated to handle the situation. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said they were aiming to bring the incident to an end quickly while minimizing risks to life. Negotiators tried to convince him to come down from his perch, but he refused to move until he was ready.
Public reaction
Supporters rally for man atop Big Ben
A handful of supporters assembled behind police barricades near the tower, shouting "Free Palestine" and "You Are A Hero." He had been live-updating his climb on Instagram. In an online video, he threatened that any move toward him would lead to him climbing higher. He was protesting against "police repression and state violence," and the jailing of climate activists and Palestine actionists for their peaceful protests.
Safety measures
Authorities close Westminster Bridge, halt parliamentary tours
In the aftermath of the man's actions, emergency services closed down Westminster Bridge and suspended parliamentary tours. However, all roads were reopened after he came down and was arrested. Westminster Police said the incident was drawn out because of the man's location and the need to ensure safety for officers, him, as well as the public.