A protester is still on top of the Frederik Douglass Memorial Bridge in Washington, DC, despite saying he would “soon” come down.
Guido Reichstadter climbed the 168-foot bridge on Friday before draping a black banner and setting up a tent.
His presence continues to impact traffic amid a four day standoff with the police.
Mr Reichstadter said he will “soon be leaving the bridge” in a post to X yesterday, but is yet to do so.
In a separate post, Mr Reichstadter said he was working to mobilise direct action against artificial intelligence.
He has spent four days on top of there 51-metre high structure, completed in 2021.
The prolific protester has scaled the bridge before, back in 2022 in protest at the decision to overturn Roe v Wade.
He has been outspoken in his demand to rid the world of AI, even co-founding activist organisation Stop AI.
The group has conducted hunger strikes outside the offices of AI company Anthropic, making headlines by serving OpenAI CEO Sam Altman a subpoena while he was onstage at San Francisco’s Sydney Goldstein Theatre.
Impasse continues into fifth day as evening approaches
As the clock moves towards 6pm in Washington, D.C., the protest is now entering its fifth consecutive day.
There has been no indication of the situation easing, with the activist still remaining in place atop the bridge.
Authorities continue to maintain a visible presence in the area as the stand-off stretches into another evening.
Mr Reichstadter gathers some support
A small group of supporters gathered in the vicinity of the bridge, occasionally offering encouragement from a distance.
Some have been seen filming the scene and sharing updates on social media as the protest continues to unfold.
Others in the area have expressed sympathy with the activist’s stance, though there remains a wider divide in public opinion over the disruption caused.
Fatigue is not a limiter, the activist insists
Despite concerns about how long he can hold out, the activist has suggested he is physically prepared to continue for the time being.
He has indicated he is pacing himself carefully, limiting movement and conserving energy while remaining on the structure.
The 46-year-old has also signalled he is determined to maintain the protest, suggesting fatigue has not yet forced him to come down.
Police confirm negotiations remain ongoing
Guido Reichstadter unfurled a long black banner which he claimed represented shame and grief | REUTERSPolice in Washington, D.C. say negotiators remain on the scene as a man continues to stay on top of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.
The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed the situation began after the individual climbed onto the structure, prompting a temporary barricade response.
While all northbound and southbound lanes have now reopened, authorities are still urging caution in the area as efforts continue to safely resolve the incident.
Mr Reichstadter films himself on top of the bridge in television interview
Earlier today, Mr Reichstadter spoke to TRT World from atop the bridge.
Speaking to his phone’s camera, he claimed to have a “responsibility” to call on the people of America to help stop the Iran war.
He also wants “hands off Lebanon, hands off Palestine”.
Mr Reichstadter delivers another update
Mr Reichstadter is still in place
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The one-man protest shows no sign of ending, with the 46-year-old confirming on X that he remains atop the bridge.
When asked by a user if he was still there, Mr Reichstadter gave a brief response, simply replying: “yes”.
His ongoing presence has now stretched into multiple days, with the activist having set up camp on the bridge as part of a protest against the Iran war and the risks of artificial intelligence.
Police officers get some exercise while monitoring activist
Police officers have been seen doing press-ups on the ground while keeping watch on the activist.
Mr Reichstadter, who is positioned on top of the building, has drawn a significant police response, with at least nine vehicles reported in the area.
As officers remain unable to reach him, some are passing the time by exercising on-site while continuing to monitor the situation.
Mr Reichstadter delivers two-word update
The activist has broken his three-hour silence to update a concerned X user.
“Does anyone know if Guido has food and water up there?”, the user asked, adding: “I’m worried about him.”
Mr Reichstadter delivered a two-word response which will no doubt reassure concerned onlookers.
“I’m ok”, he confirmed.
What impact is the protest having in Washington DC?
Lane closures were in place on the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, but lanes had reopened for traffic late on Monday morning.
Tuesday morning saw the reopening of all lanes, but the pedestrian walkway was closed, according to the Metropolitan Operations Coordination (MATOC) Program.
Local baseball outfit the Washington Nationals are due to play at 6.45pm local time, and it remains unclear whether Mr Reichstadter’s exploits will affect proceedings.
Mr Reichstadter’s most recent activity was to update us about his toilet arrangements
Guido Reichstadter has been fasting - and it is not the first time he has done so
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You might be wondering just how the 46-year-old activist is able to relieve himself while sat 51-metres high and very much in public view.
Seemingly, the answer is that he does not have to.
After being asked by a fellow X user whether he is having any issues on that front, the activist insisted this was not the case.
“Guido how are you pooping up there?”, the user asked.
He responded: “Haven’t had to. I’ve been fasting.”
A recap - why is Mr Reichstadter on the bridge?
Guido Reichstadter set up a tent on top of the bridge and ate Chex Mix | REUTERSAfter Mr Reichstadter climbed the bridge on Friday, he posted to X that he was “calling on the people of the United States to bring an immediate end to the Trump regime’s illegal war on Iran and the removal of the regime power through mass nonviolent direct action and non-cooperation”.
He has continued to post on X throughout his protest, reminding followers of his cause, and also confirming he remains in position.
Mr Reichstadter said yesterday he has not eaten for days, but he also told NewsNation he went on a 30-day hunger strike while protesting AI outside the Anthropic headquarters.
He has run out of water, however.
“I’ve got the stamina to stay up here a bit longer”, he told WTOP on Monday.