Standoff on Bolte Bridge
Police in Melbourne are engaged in a standoff with a man perched atop one of the Bolte Bridge’s 120-metre high pillars following a dangerous graffiti stunt, causing significant traffic delays.
Emergency services were alerted at 3am on Tuesday after reports emerged that a graffiti artist had climbed the bridge’s eastern pylon.
Authorities allege the individual abseiled down the pillar to paint a large "Pam the Bird" tag, a signature that has been illegally applied to various Melbourne landmarks over the years, often in hard-to-reach locations and on heritage-listed structures.
A police spokesperson confirmed negotiations were underway to ensure the man’s safe descent.
“He is refusing to follow police direction and come down,”
“There are a significant number of police resources in the area including uniform members and water police units.”
Developments During the Incident
Shortly after 9am, the man briefly abseiled down the pillar, acknowledged police and media by waving, then returned to the top of the structure.
Police stated that there was no immediate threat to the public or motorists, although one lane of the bridge remains closed. The speed limit for vehicles crossing the bridge has been reduced to 40 km/h to ensure safety.
Social Media Activity and Demands
An Instagram account, @pambirdofficial, has posted videos purportedly filmed from the top of the pillar on Tuesday, using the hashtag #notcomingdown.
One video includes a caption that reads:
“Lower the taxes and drone me some fucken food! Let’s go boys and girls!”In the same clip, a male voice is heard saying:
“I’m not coming down until they lower the taxes. Fucking sick of paying that shit.”
Another video shows feet dangling off the tower and zooms in on the substantial police presence below. The man is seen making an obscene gesture towards officers. Later, he requested a blanket.
Additional Information and Official Response
The identity of the man on the Bolte Bridge remains unknown.
On Tuesday morning, Melbourne’s temperature dropped to 4°C, with fog enveloping the top of the pillar where the man remains.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles commented on the situation during an interview with the ABC, stating:
“I think the system is handling the matter as it should … I think it’s appropriate that the legal process takes its course”.
