Florida activist finally comes down from DC bridge five days into protest

A protester who spent five days camped atop Washington D.C.'s Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge descended Wednesday morning, concluding his unusual demonstration against artificial intelligence and the war in Iran.

Guido Reichstadter, an activist from Florida, was observed coming down from one of the bridge's arches, where he had been stationed since May 1. His presence led to intermittent traffic disruptions as local police closed lanes and engaged in negotiations.

open image in gallery

Reichstadter's X account featured photographs taken from his vantage point, showing a tent he had pitched. On Tuesday, he announced his intention to come down and anticipated being 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.

Washington police did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding potential charges or their nature. Reichstadter previously staged a similar protest on the same bridge in 2022, then in opposition to a Supreme Court decision.