A man is currently on his way up the Trump Tower in Midtown, Manhattan with the aid of suction cups. The police and fire department so far have tried (unsuccessfully) to help the man down, however, he does not appear to be cooperating.
A person is climbing Trump Tower in New York City.A person is climbing Trump Tower in New York City using suction cups.
Posted by CNN on Wednesday, 10 August 2016
According to multiple ABC News, the climber had smashed several windows while also changing his path up the building so to avoid police who had sawed into ventilation grates. Police were reportedly leaning out of these openings, though were unable to stop the man who’s reason for the stunt is so far unknown.
@ABC there is a man scaling Trump Towers with cops watching pic.twitter.com/JbW6EjAIxM
— Jason Chu (@JasonC1219) August 10, 2016
At the base of the Tower on Madison Avenue, a crowd had formed with many cheering the man’s efforts. He has so far responded with whistles though gasps were heard when the climber slipped. So far provisions have been made for if the climber falls with two giant inflatable cushioned drop-zones in place. The road has also now been closed.
— Jason Chu (@JasonC1219) August 10, 2016
UPDATE: As of 6:35 p.m. (EST) AN learnt that the man, identified as Stephen Rogata was caught and subsequently arrested shortly after by the NYPD. Glass had been removed from windows located above the climber thus preventing him from ascending any further. Rogata was described by police as a 20-year-old man from Virginia who intended to meet Trump. Ironically, Trump (as mentioned above) was in Rogata’s home-state as he made his ascent. Since his arrest, he has been taken to Bellevue Hospital to be psychologically evaluated.