Man Denies Bomb Hoax Claim Over US Embassy London Art Installation

Daniel Parmenter, 44, is on trial at the Old Bailey accused of making a bomb hoax outside the US Embassy in London by leaving a package that appeared to be an improvised explosive device (IED) but which he claims was a form of "sophisticated graffiti art". On November 22, 2024, the US Embassy went into lockdown after security personnel spotted a suspicious bag containing wires and an old-style iPad with taped firework wires, alongside various other objects such as a silver tray with a skull and crossbones, a drum, poetry books, and a box marked with radiation warnings. Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion following the discovery of the items. Parmenter admitted leaving the items but denied any intention to cause alarm, stating in police interviews that it was an "art installation" and a "gift" for the US Navy. CCTV footage helped identify and lead to his arrest two days after the incident. The prosecution maintains the device was a bomb hoax, while Parmenter insists his actions were not meant to harm or alarm anyone.