Big Ben Standoff: Man Scales Iconic Clock Tower Waving Palestinian Flag
Drama unfolded early Saturday as a barefoot protester climbed the Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben, flashing a Palestinian flag from a precarious ledge high above Westminster. The man was seen chanting in support of Palestine, sparking a major emergency response.
Bridge Street Shut as Emergency Crews Race to Rescue
Police swiftly closed Bridge Street near Westminster Bridge, causing travel chaos, while firefighters from Lambeth, Chelsea, Soho, and Islington stations rushed to the scene. The London Fire Brigade confirmed crews are working alongside the Metropolitan Police to safely bring the man down.
“Firefighters are responding alongside the Metropolitan Police Service to reports of a person scaling the Palace of Westminster,” said a London Fire Brigade spokesperson.
Police Say Rescue Efforts Underway
The Metropolitan Police were alerted at 7:24am on March 8 after reports of the climber. Officers remain on site, coordinating with the Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service to resolve the tense situation.
“Officers are at the scene, working to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. They are being assisted by the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service,” a police spokesperson said.
Protest Motive and Next Steps Unknown
The identity of the man and his full reasons for scaling the tower are still unclear, but the flag signals a protest in support of Palestinian rights amid global unrest. Authorities have yet to confirm if he has been taken into custody or if more disruptions are expected.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story.
