Police pluck woman who scaled Statue of Liberty, ending standoff
NEW YORK: A woman who scaled the stone pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, the iconic tribute to freedom and democracy that graces New York Harbor, was snatched by police officers and lowered to safety on Wednesday after a three-hour standoff that led to the evacuation of the landmark on America’s Independence Day.
Authorities could not confirm whether the woman was part of a group of protesters who earlier unfurled a banner that read “Abolish ICE” from the base of the statue in a protest against US immigration policy.
Thousands in US march against immigration policy
ICE refers to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, whose recent treatment of families who have crossed illegally into the United States has become a source of discord. Television images showed two helmeted officers, outfitted in harnesses and ropes, slowly approaching the woman and grabbing her as she clung to the sloping side of the more than 300-foot-high (91 meters) statue near its upturned right foot.
“She’s been taken into custody amicably, peacefully, without any injuries, or injuries to our officers, thank God. It’s all over now.” Sergeant David Somma, a spokeperson for the National Park Service, told Reuters after the standoff ended. He said prosecutors would determine any charges filed against the woman.
The incident forced the Park Service to evacuate Liberty Island on a sweltering holiday afternoon when typically thousands of tourists visit the historic statue, a symbol of American freedom that has stood in the harbor since 1886.
Seven protesters were arrested on the island earlier Wednesday, Somma said, but he could not confirm whether the woman in the standoff was a protester. A group called Rise and Resist said it had staged a “visual protest” at the statue, releasing photos of the “Abolish ICE” banner unfurled on the statue’s base.
The group later released a statement on Twitter that said the protest did not include the climber. The statement did not say whether or not the climber was a member of their group. Representatives of the group did not immediately return an email inquiry from Reuters.
ICE is at the center of the Trump administration’s shelved policy of separating some children from their parents when they cross illegally into the United States from Mexico, leading to calls to disband the agency.
The Statue of Liberty, a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, has become a worldwide symbol of the American values of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Citizens suffer as TLYRA protest enters ninth day
A poem by Emma Lazarus inscribed on a bronze plaque, and located in the Statue of Liberty’s museum, is seen by many as embodying the spirit of America, particularly in the lines: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
Alice Wells says militant group’s inertia on peace talks 'unacceptable'
Mike Pence phones PM MulkBoth the leaders agreed to the importance of strengthening bilateral relations
US urges Pakistan not to be a 'safe haven' for terroristsNikki Haley tells Indian think-tank it is approaching relationship with Pakistan differently than in the past
More in World
Original news : https://tribune.com.pk/story/1750225/3-police-pluck-woman-scaled-statue-liberty-ending-standoff/