The activist who scaled Big Ben’s Elizabeth Tower at London’s Palace of Westminster early Saturday, waving a Palestinian flag, has descended after 16 hours, Sky News reports.

According to local media, he repeatedly cried, “Free Palestine.”

After 17 hours of protesting the genocide of Palestinians on top of Big Ben, activist finally comes down. pic.twitter.com/MekQD6fymA

— JouRage (@jou_rage) March 9, 2025

Emergency crews used a crane to engage with him, and he eventually came down after stating he would do so “on his own terms,” Sky News claimed.

Big Ben locked down: Nine emergency vehicles over Palestinian flag

Emergency services have cordoned off the area around Big Ben after the man scaled one of the buildings in the Palace of Westminster, demanding an end to the police crackdown on protesters and advocating for freedom for Palestine. 

Social media videos show a barefoot man standing on a ledge, holding a Palestinian flag several meters up Elizabeth Tower, which houses the Westminster clock and its iconic bell.

At least nine emergency vehicles were lined up on Bridge Street in central London, while crowds watched from behind a police cordon.

Activists sing an ode to Dan - the Big Ben protester - as he continues his protest, which has passed 14 hours now:

We love you Dan, we do!
We love you Dan, we do!
We love you Dan, we do!
Oh Dan, we love you! pic.twitter.com/epMTWXYQ0B

— Naila (@BrownNaila) March 8, 2025

Simultaneously, he was praised on social media for his bold act, with activists honoring him as a brave individual standing for justice. Described as calling for an end to police violence against protesters and advocating for freedom for Palestine, his actions have garnered widespread support online.

Calling for Palestinian Freedom

The activist, in addition to advocating for Palestinian freedom, was also calling for the release of political detainees, including members of Palestine Action. 18 members of Palestine Action are currently imprisoned under counter-terrorism laws, accused of causing millions in damages to Israeli weapons trade operations. 
 
Over the past two years, the UK has witnessed an intensified crackdown on pro-Palestinian figures and protests following the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Authorities have increasingly targeted activists, organizers, and demonstrators supporting Palestinian rights, leading to a significant rise in arrests and restrictions on public demonstrations. This crackdown has sparked debates about freedom of speech, human rights, and the UK's stance on the Palestinian cause, with many calling for greater protections for those advocating for Palestinian justice.