Prague's Charles Bridge reopens following police standoff

A man climbed to the top of a statue on Prague's iconic Charles Bridge Saturday afternoon, prompting a heavy police response. At around 4 p.m., the bridge was closed to all pedestrian traffic as police attempted negotiation.

The individual, initially wielding a knife, was seen sitting atop the Pieta statue, part of a historical group of sculptures near Křižovnické náměstí. As the situation developed, authorities swiftly closed the bridge to traffic, and a specialized police negotiation team was dispatched to the scene.

“Charles Bridge is currently closed due to the intervention of emergency services because of a man sitting on a statue," Police wrote on X at 4:26 p.m., confirming the bridge's closure due to an ongoing intervention. "Negotiators are communicating with him.”

A visible police presence, including officers with long guns, was evident on the bridge. Emergency vehicles, including fire trucks and ambulances, lined the bridge as authorities assessed the situation.

Police shared video of the intervention to their X account.

By 5:10 p.m., the police issued another update, disclosing the reason behind the man’s actions: "The reason the man is standing on the statue is that he intends to commit suicide. Negotiations are still ongoing."

A police spokesperson reported that the individual, who is a foreign national, was initially holding a utility knife but had since discarded it.

In addition to the negotiation team, maritime police were stationed on the Vltava River to monitor the situation from the water. Authorities are proceeding cautiously to prevent further escalation.

As news of the incident spread, a crowd gathered at the site, some filming the unfolding events on their phones. In response, police closed off access to the bridge, urging spectators to stay clear.

At around 5:45 p.m., the man peacefully climbed down from the statue following police negotiation. The bridge reopened to pedestrian traffic shortly thereafter.