US Protester Ends Five-Day Bridge Standoff After Running Out of Water

A U.S.-based protester, Guido Reichstadter, has ended a dramatic five-day demonstration atop a major bridge in Washington, D.C., climbing down after reportedly running out of water.

Reichstadter, a 45-year-old activist, had scaled the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge on May 1, where he remained perched on one of its arches in protest against the war in Iran, the Trump administration, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

Authorities said the protest caused intermittent traffic disruptions as police closed lanes and attempted to negotiate his descent.

After several days without adequate supplies, Reichstadter eventually climbed down on Wednesday morning using an internal ladder. Emergency responders were on standby and took him into custody immediately after he descended.

Reports indicate he had been without food for days and ran out of water before deciding to end the protest.

Reichstadter said his action was intended to draw attention to what he described as urgent global threats, including U.S. involvement in Iran and the risks posed by artificial intelligence. He also expressed hope that the protest would inspire broader activism.

Police have since charged him with multiple offenses, including unlawful entry and failure to obey an officer.

The activist is no stranger to high-profile demonstrations, having staged a similar protest on the same bridge in 2022.

The incident highlights the increasing use of extreme protest tactics by activists seeking to draw attention to global political and technological concerns.