Churchill Statue Defaced with Pro-Palestinian Graffiti, Man Arrested

The statue of Sir Winston Churchill in London’s Parliament Square was vandalized with graffiti expressing pro-Palestinian sentiments, leading to the arrest of a 38-year-old man on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, February 27, 2026, has sparked condemnation from Downing Street and renewed debate surrounding Churchill’s legacy.

Details of the Vandalism

Red paint was used to spray slogans on the bronze sculpture, including “Free Palestine,” “Zionist war criminal,” and “Globalise the intifada.” Additional messages included “Stop the Genocide” and “Never again is now.” The Metropolitan Police responded within two minutes of being alerted and took a suspect into custody. Newsweek reported the incident overnight into Friday.

Police Response and Arrest

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest, stating the man was held on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage. The BBC reported that officers were on the scene within two minutes of the alert. In December 2025, both the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police announced that individuals chanting “globalise the intifada” would face arrest, following terror attacks targeting Jewish communities.

Government Condemnation

Downing Street issued a statement condemning the incident as “completely abhorrent” and a “disgrace.” A spokesperson emphasized that Churchill was a “great Briton” and that the government would “always stand up for our values,” demanding the perpetrator be held accountable.

Previous Vandalism and Increased Security

The Churchill statue has been a frequent target for protesters in recent years. It was previously vandalized during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 and by trans activists in 2025. Last summer, new legislation made climbing on the statue a crime, punishable by up to three months in prison and a £1,000 fine. The statue is now among a list of protected monuments, including the Cenotaph and the Royal Artillery Memorial.

Group Claims Responsibility

A Dutch group, Free the Filton 24, claimed responsibility for the act, posting a video on Instagram appearing to present a man defacing the statue. The group identifies as being connected to Palestine Action activists charged in connection with a break-in at an Elbit Systems UK site in 2024.

Context: Calls for Palestinian State Recognition

This incident occurs amidst growing calls within the UK Parliament for the recognition of a Palestinian state. IBTimes reports that over 220 MPs from nine parties have signed a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging him to follow France’s lead and recognize Palestine.