On Wednesday, protesters against war and AI who had occupied one of Washington, D.C.’s tallest bridges for nearly a week were arrested. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) confirmed that Guido Reichstadter was safely brought down from the bridge and faces charges that include crowding, obstruction, trespassing, and failing to follow police directives.
Reichstadter, a 45-year-old former jeweler and math student, had climbed the 168-foot structure on Friday, expressing intention to remain there “until the war is over.” He posted on X the day before his descent, indicating he would run out of water soon and would return to ground the following morning. He remarked, “If you settle down, you’ll probably be going to jail for a while,” adding hopes that his actions might inspire more dedication to the cause of peace.
Around 9 a.m. local time, he began his descent with help from firefighters and emergency services. Video footage captured the moment he was brought back down to the ground in a fire department ladder truck, followed by being taken to an ambulance.
Despite requests for information regarding the costs and resources used during the six-day event, MPD declined to share details.
Reichstadter, who had quit his job to protest, voiced concerns about the future, especially for his two children. He criticized Congress for not taking action regarding the war with Iran, while simultaneously asserting that no nation should possess nuclear weapons. He referred to the current state of AI development as “dire,” suggesting that companies aim to create AI systems far exceeding human cognitive abilities.
In his previous protests, he faced legal challenges, including arrests linked to AI demonstrations in California, where he was found guilty of misdemeanor charges. He received a suspended sentence of 90 days, along with fines.
