Embassy bomb threat 'was graffiti art' court told

Daniel Parmenter, 44, left a package that resembled a bomb outside the US Embassy in London, leading to a lockdown and a controlled explosion on November 22, 2024. He admitted to placing the items but denied making a bomb threat, asserting that it was a form of "sophisticated graffiti art. " Prosecutor Lucy Organ outlined the incident, which began when a civilian guard panicked after spotting the suspicious package. Parmenter left an iPad with taped firework wires among other items, including a tray marked with a skull and crossbones. The package contained a note reading "Danger Chemicals," raising alarms about potential hazards.

Authorities identified and arrested him through CCTV footage two days later. Parmenter insisted he meant no harm, claiming the framed toolkit was a gift for the US Navy. The trial will evaluate whether he intended to instill fear of an explosive device.