LONDON — In a dramatic scene early Sunday, authorities arrested a man who had ascended the Big Ben tower in central London while barefoot and waving a Palestinian flag.
The individual appeared to be staging a protest and had taken a position on a ledge of the iconic Elizabeth Tower, home to the world-famous Big Ben clock. The standoff concluded just after midnight when, following an extensive negotiation with law enforcement officials, the man agreed to leave the tower, stepping onto a cherry picker set up by the emergency services before being taken away in an ambulance.
Throughout Saturday, traffic around the Palace of Westminster experienced significant congestion as emergency responders worked diligently to address the situation. Negotiators repeatedly took to a fire brigade ladder platform to communicate with the protester, eventually persuading him to come down safely.
The incident led to the closure of Westminster Bridge and an adjacent street, with numerous emergency vehicles being dispatched to manage the scene. Crowds of onlookers gathered, while police took measures to block pedestrian access to Parliament Square. Nearby, a small group of supporters showed solidarity with the protester, chanting “Free Palestine” from behind a police barricade.
The events prompted the cancellation of scheduled tours of the Houses of Parliament, as officials prioritized public safety and the resolution of the situation.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of the individual, noting the complexity of the incident due to the protester’s precarious location. The authorities emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone involved, including their officers, the protester, and the general public.
