Sun Mar 09 02:27:20 UTC 2025: ## Man Arrested After 16-Hour Big Ben Protest
**London, March 9, 2025** – A man was arrested on Sunday after a 16-hour protest atop the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) in London. The incident began Saturday morning when the man scaled the iconic landmark, unfurling a Palestinian flag and a keffiyeh. He livestreamed the event on Instagram, during which he stated his actions were a protest against what he called police repression, state violence, and the imprisonment of pro-Palestine activists.
The man, whose identity has not yet been released, remained perched on the tower’s ledge for the duration of the protest, at one point stating he would only come down on his own terms. He reportedly sustained minor injuries but refused medical attention. Westminster Police deployed specialist officers and worked with the London Fire Brigade to ensure his safe apprehension and minimize risks to the public and emergency personnel. The Westminster Bridge was closed, and Parliament tours were cancelled during the standoff.
The protracted nature of the incident prompted criticism from at least one MP, Conservative Ben Obese-Jecty, who questioned the effectiveness of security measures on the parliamentary estate via X (formerly Twitter). He demanded a full explanation as to how the man was able to evade security.
The man is currently in police custody. The investigation is ongoing.
First Piper 