An explosion was heard outside Buckingham Palace in Westminster, UK on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023, as captured by @newswithchris in a video. A man was immediately arrested by officers after he allegedly threw suspected shotgun cartridges into the palace grounds.

According to the Metropolitan police, the man was held on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon after a knife was found on him during a search, but no gun was found. After the man was also found in possession of a suspicious bag, cordons were put in place, and specialists conducted a controlled explosion as a precaution.

Officers have not reported any injuries to the public or themselves, and the king and queen consort were not present at Buckingham Palace at the time. However, earlier in the day, the king hosted Australia's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, during an audience at the palace.

The suspect's mental health history is being examined, and police do not believe the incident was terrorism-related. They have stated that the man was acting alone, and it is being treated as an isolated incident.

The incident took place amidst preparations for the coronation of King Charles on Saturday at Westminster Abbey, which is part of a security operation called Operation Golden Orb. Thousands of officers from across the UK are being mobilized for the event, and hundreds of them will line the route towards Westminster Abbey.