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Virginia man hospitalized day after Trump Tower escapade

Stephen Rogata, 19, was formally charged with reckless endangerment and criminal trespass, New York City police said on Thursday, a day after he used suction cups to ascend the 68-story glass building in midtown Manhattan.

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It was unclear when Rogata would appear in court or if he had an attorney who could comment for him.

Rogata was taken by ambulance to Bellevue Hospital, which handles psychiatric cases.

“The reason I climbed your tower was to get your attention”, the man said.

The man had said he was seeking “a private audience” with Donald Trump, though it’s not clear what he wanted to discuss.

Police were treating the tower climb as a potentially risky stunt, saying there was no indication Rogata wanted to hurt anyone. Police said they did not believe the man meant to harm anyone.

The tower is headquarters to the Republican presidential nominee’s campaign and his business empire.

A video titled “Message to Mr. Trump (why I climbed your tower)” shows a man who resembles Rogata.

NBC 4 NY have identified the “Trump Tower spiderman” as Steve from Virginia. Officers smashed windows and broke through ventilation ducts to block his progress.

Workers removed windows from the glass-faced, 58-storey skyscraper to prevent him from going higher.

About 6:30 p.m., the climber reached the corner where officers were stationed. Detective Christopher William said he told him, “Sir, would you come with me?” “He had two duffel bags that looked like they had climbing ropes”.

“This man performed a ridiculous and risky stunt”, Michael Cohen, an executive at the Trump Organization, said in an emailed statement. “I’m 100% certain the NYPD had better things to do”.

Trump approved: “Great job today by the NYPD in protecting the people and saving the climber”, he (or someone) posted to his twitter account.

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The climber began his ascent from a terrace that is open to the public during the day.

APTOPIX Trump Tower Climber