Protester descends from DC bridge, ending 6-day stand against AI and US-Israel war on Iran

A protester who camped out atop one of Washington’s bridges for six days has come down, ending his stand against artificial intelligence and the US-Israeli war in Iran.

Guido Reichstadter, a Florida-based activist, was seen coming down on Wednesday from one of the arches of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge where he had been camped since May 1.

His presence caused periodic traffic jams as Washington police closed lanes and negotiated with him.

Reichstadter climbed the 51-metre bridge on Friday before unfurling a black banner and setting up a tent.

Reichstadter’s X account showed photos from atop one of the arches where he had pitched a tent. He announced on the site on Tuesday that he would be coming down and expected to be arrested.

"I hope that this action has offered something to motivate and inspire you, and that it can serve as fuel for greater commitment and action in the cause of peace and in the fight for our future," he wrote.

'Stop this war'

He staged a similar protest atop the same bridge in 2022 against a Supreme Court decision.

DC police confirmed that Reichstadter is being charged with crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, as well as unlawful entry and failing to obey an officer, local media reported.

In an exclusive Zoom interview with TRT World on Tuesday, Reichstadter said he wants an immediate end to the war on Iran as well as a suspension of the development of artificial intelligence.

"I have a responsibility to call my fellow, the people of my country, to stop this war, to resist, not to passively sit back and watch while crimes and murders are committed in their name," he told TRT World.

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Source: TRT