Florida man says he plans to come down from DC’s Frederick Douglass Bridge – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)
Washington, D.C. – High above the Anacostia River, a Florida man who climbed one of the arches on the Frederick Douglass Bridge brought a glimmer of resolution late Sunday. Guido Reichstadter, the activist at the center of the standoff, posted online that he planned to leave the structure soon. Authorities maintained their watch as the situation, which began Friday afternoon, entered its third day.
A Weekend of Tension Unfolds
The climb disrupted life across the capital from the outset. South Capitol Street closed in both directions that Friday, snarling the afternoon rush hour and delaying fans heading to Nationals Park for a Washington Nationals game. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Reichstadter held his position through the weekend.
By Monday morning, some normalcy returned. Officials reopened South Capitol Street, allowing all outbound lanes and one inbound lane to flow. Traffic restrictions lingered near the bridge, however, as teams kept the area secured.
Reichstadter’s Statement Breaks the Silence
In a post on X at 10:32 p.m. Sunday, Reichstadter addressed supporters directly. He framed his actions as a nonviolent protest and expressed gratitude for the backing he received. The message marked a shift after days without similar public updates from the climber…