Police arrest 139 people outside US embassy during Palestine Action protest

London police arrested 139 people outside the United States embassy following a large demonstration against the government ban on Palestine Action. Officers moved in as hundreds of protesters gathered in the capital to voice strong opposition to the proscription, filling the roadway and chanting slogans.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the final arrest figure after deploying a heavy operational response outside the diplomatic compound in Nine Elms. Demonstrators occupied the surrounding streets for hours before police intervention broke up the primary gathering and restored order to the area.

Authorities detained individuals for multiple public order offences, obstruction, and breaches of conditions imposed under the Public Order Act during the afternoon demonstration. Officers maintained a strict security cordon around the embassy site while local bus routes and traffic diversions experienced significant disruption.

Human rights monitors and legal observers watched the police operation unfold as crowds pushed against metal barriers. Organisers had promoted the mobilization widely across activist networks earlier in the week to challenge the legal restrictions placed on Palestine Action.

Police said the detained individuals remain in custody across various custody suites in the capital for questioning by specialist investigators. Detectives continue to examine video footage and body-worn camera recordings from the scene to identify additional suspects.

The Crown Prosecution Service will review files submitted by the Metropolitan Police to determine formal charges. Investigators expect to make further charging decisions later in the week as the investigation proceeds.

Officers urged any members of the public with additional digital evidence to come forward. Police said the investigation remains active as security reviews continue around major diplomatic sites.