A man was detained at Westminster Hall on Friday night after allegedly rushing forward Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin as the late monarch lay in state, causing mayhem to break out.
Around 10:00 p.m., the shocking event occurred. before dozens of frightened onlookers who had waited all day in line to pay their respects Queen Elizabeth.
Before being apprehended by Metropolitan Police, the man had sprinted through the line, ascended the catafalque’s stairs, and touched a coffin, according to The Guardian.
Screenshots of the sad ceremony’s broadcast depict security personnel pinning the suspect to the ground while other mourners watch in shock.
The incident took place on the second day when members of the public were allowed to pass in front of the queen’s casket.
At the time of the commotion, mourners had waited in line for about 12 hours. King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward are said to have maintained vigil by the coffin’s side just hours prior.
A guy was detained earlier on Friday for allegedly sexually abusing two women who had lined up to see the queen’s casket.
As big crowds gathered to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth, who passed away last week at the age of 96, police presence had been increased around London. For her funeral on Monday at Westminster Abbey, a record $7.5 million was spent on security.
“Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command detained a man in Westminster Hall following a disturbance. He was arrested for an offence under the Public Order Act and is currently in custody,” the statement by Scotland Yard reported.
