HMP Holloway Prison's gates were surrounded yesterday afternoon and this morning with protestors of Arianna Schmitt's execution. As the hangman and his assistant arrived at the prison yesterday afternoon around 4pm GMT, they were met with violent protestors hurling insults and throwing various items at the car as it entered through Holloway's gates. Scotland Yard had to send over extra officers to help with security. Many protestors remained throughout the night lighting candles, praying, and singing hymns. Thursday morning around 6am GMT, protestors began to arrive in the hundreds and even thousands as it got closer to 8am. The prison's front walls and gates were lined with flowers, cards, and even stuffed animals in honor of Arianna. Scotland Yard had several barricades surrounding the prison entrance to help with crowd control along with several officers on horseback. About a quarter to 8am, the crowd began singing hymns and praying for Arianna. Then 5 minutes to eight o' clock, the crowd became a silent vigil for the condemned. Precisely at 8am, the only sound to be heard was from a nearby church chiming the time. About 10-20 minutes past 8am, a black flag was raised within Holloway's walls and the Sheriff came out and placed the official execution notice on the front gate confirming that the deed was done. Shortly after that, the crowd began to disperse with many weeping and others mortified by the horrifying experience. One could feel the eerie and deadening silence of the spectators, which left many numb and in shock.
Article by
Walter Westheimer