The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that a former British Olympian is facing charges in the United States after allegedly vandalising the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old James Harrington, a retired rower who won bronze in Rio, is accused of pouring red dye into the pool during a protest over indigenous land rights. Sources at the Home Office tell me this is going to cause a diplomatic stink.
Downing Street is scrambling. Extradition proceedings could be messy. Harrington holds dual citizenship.
The US Attorney’s Office says it will seek his transfer. But Whitehall sources are whispering: this could be a test case for post-Brexit cooperation. The Foreign Office is refusing to comment officially.
But the whispers are that the PM is livid. The timing is awful. Brexit negotiations are at a delicate stage.
The US is a key ally. But Harrington’s supporters are already mobilising. Expect letters to the Home Secretary.
Expect protests outside the US embassy. The game is on. We will bring you more as it breaks.