48 arrested at U.S. Embassy protest in London

Forty-eight people were arrested Saturday outside the U.S. Embassy in London. The Metropolitan Police stated that most detainees were charged for expressing support for a proscribed organization. Officers remained on the scene to continue processing arrests as the crowd dispersed.

More than 100 people gathered for the demonstration. Many held signs that read, "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action." As police moved individuals toward vans, the group applauded and chanted, "free, free Palestine."

The U.K. government designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization last year. Under the ban, membership or support for the group is a crime. Convictions can carry a prison sentence of up to 14 years. The U.S. government followed suit in August by placing sanctions on the group and designating it as a terror organization.

Palestine Action was founded in 2020. The group states its goal is to stop U.K. military support for Israel. It argues that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians, a claim Israel strongly denies. The organization says it disrupts "corporate enablers of the Israeli military-industrial complex" to achieve this goal.

The group has conducted several high-profile actions. In 2024, activists entered a factory owned by Elbit Systems UK, an Israeli weapons manufacturer. They smashed equipment using sledgehammers and crowbars. In June 2025, members broke into a Royal Air Force base. They sprayed red paint into the engines of two tanker planes and used crowbars to cause additional damage.

A similar vigil took place outside the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland. Participants held placards similar to those in London. Police Scotland reported no arrests in Edinburgh but said inquiries were ongoing to identify individuals wearing support T-shirts and holding banners. The force stated that evidence is being reviewed and further action will be taken as appropriate.

The protests occurred on the eve of a legal milestone. On Nov. 4, the Supreme Court will hear an appeal against Palestine Action's designation as a terror group. Supporters argue the ban is draconian and violates freedom of speech.