Pam the Bird: arrest ends hours-long standoff after graffiti painted on Melbourne’s 120m Bolte Bridge tower

Jack Gibson-Burrell, 22, was arrested Tuesday after allegedly climbing Melbourne's 140-metre Bolte Bridge and painting graffiti on the eastern pylon, sparking a nine-hour police standoff. Gibson-Burrell peacefully surrendered just before noon after police negotiated with him since 2am. Police said the incident drew substantial resources and caused significant damage to the bridge structure.

Gibson-Burrell posted videos to Instagram from atop the tower, including one where he stated he would not come down until taxes were lowered. He briefly abseiled down the pillar to taunt officers before returning to the top. Melbourne's temperature had dropped to 4 degrees Celsius during the overnight standoff.

Police Acting Inspector Darren Wallis said Gibson-Burrell faced questioning for vandalism and causing considerable public cost through the incident's response. Authorities praised the peaceful conclusion to what they described as a dangerous and precarious situation.