Since then, police have appeared to try to coax him inside, first by throwing a rope in his direction and then by opening a large grate directly above him. The man spent more than 2 ‘ hours scaling the glass facade of Trump Tower, . He had no intention of hurting anyone, he told police.
Advertisement
Television footage showed the auburn-haired man with curls dressed in grey shorts, an olive T-shirt and white cap, using five suction cups to mount his ascent.
Donald Trump weighed in on Twitter about the event. The 58-story build.
The man, whose identity was not revealed, was safely pulled in the building by the police personnel after almost three-hours yesterday evening. He is campaigning out of state. “Steve” posted a message on Facebook before his climb, telling the Republican presidential candidate he wanted to get his attention.
Donald Trump plans to build a wall on the border with Mexico.
Police shattered the window of the Marc Fisher showroom to reach Rogata and negotiate with him as he climbed.
The teenager was identified as 19-year-old Stephen Rogata, of Great Falls, Virginia. He was arrested on charges of reckless endangerment and criminal trespass.
The New York City Police Department said on Twitter that its special operations division and emergency crews had been sent to the building.
Rogata started scaling the tower about 3:40 p.m., nearly immediately summoning the NYPD and their emergency services unit, officials said. The man was taken to Bellevue Hospital Center for an evaluation, and Trump was campaigning in Virginia and Florida during the incident.
The details leading up to Rogata’s quest to speak with Trump have emerged.
Police officers smashed a window and ventilation duct in an attempt to block the man’s path. Detectives determined quickly that Rogata posed a threat only to himself and responding officers, who had to rescue him off the building.
The slow-motion drama started around 3:30 p.m., as he ascended using suction cups that he apparently purchased for around a $100 each. Earlier, they raised a ladder in an effort to stop him, but closed it up as he moved higher. The NYPD said they are familiar with the man attempting the climb. He posted the video under the name Leven Thumps, which is a character in a series of children’s fantasy novels by the writer Obert Skye. “Believe me, if my goal was not significant, I would not risk my life pursuing it”, he says, addressing Trump.
Advertisement
“Hello Mr. Trump. Excuse my matter of appearance, I just don’t know how many people will watch this and I’d rather not be recognizable”.
