…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
On Tuesday, a 59-year-old man sparked a security scare at Buckingham Palace by allegedly throwing shotgun cartridges over the gates.
He had approached officers outside the palace and asked to see a soldier, but when they said that was not possible, he started hurling the cartridges.
He was searched and arrested on suspicion of possessing a lock knife and ammunition.
A controlled explosion on a suspicious bag was carried out as a precaution.
On Wednesday, the man was detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to hospital, according to a Metropolitan Police spokesperson.
He will remain on bail while receiving medical care.
Speaking at a briefing for journalists ahead of the coronation, Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said the man told officers to handle his rucksack with care, which led to a controlled explosion being carried out on the bag.
The incident is not being treated as terror-related.
However, the blast from the controlled explosion, which could be heard live on GB News, happened as cordons were put up in the area just hours before a major military rehearsal of the coronation procession overnight.
Suspect Detained Within Seconds
Footage captured by Australia’s Channel 7 News showed four officers detaining a man, dressed in an olive green gilet and checked shirt, outside the gates to the palace near a security hut where armed officers are stationed.
Mr Adelekan said the suspect was detained within seconds and arrested within five minutes.
He had no knowledge of reports that the man had been shouting that he wanted to kill the King before he was arrested.
The King and the Queen Consort were not at Buckingham Palace at the time of the incident, but Charles had hosted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during an audience there earlier on Tuesday.
Analysis and Commentaries
The incident at Buckingham Palace highlights the importance of maintaining security in high-risk areas such as royal palaces.
The quick response of the police and their ability to detain the suspect within seconds is commendable.
The fact that the suspect has been detained under the Mental Health Act indicates that the incident may have been a result of mental illness rather than a planned attack.
The controlled explosion carried out on the suspicious bag shows the seriousness with which any potential threat is treated in such sensitive areas.
The fact that the explosion could be heard live on GB News highlights the potential impact that such an incident can have on the public.
It is also noteworthy that the incident occurred just hours before a major military rehearsal of the coronation procession.
This highlights the need for heightened security measures during sensitive events.
The fact that the man allegedly shouted that he wanted to kill the King before he was arrested is concerning.
It is unclear whether this was a genuine threat or a result of the man’s mental state.
Regardless, it underscores the importance of maintaining security and being prepared for any potential threat.