New York authorities charged a 44-year-old man on Monday after he climbed a tower of the Brooklyn Bridge and jumped naked into the East River on Sunday, an incident that forced the temporary closure of the busy crossing.
The man, identified as Galymzhan Abaildayev, is hospitalized in stable condition. He has been charged with reckless endangerment, public lewdness, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and making graffiti, according to local outlet ABC7, as reported by Efe.
Abaildayev climbed one of the bridge's towers, more than 80 meters high, around midday on Sunday. He then undressed and jumped before emergency crews could talk him down, according to videos posted on social media by witnesses and to the police account of the incident.
Fabric used as a parachute
Police sources told the New York Post that Abaildayev jumped into the East River using pieces of fabric as a makeshift parachute, apparently the flag of Kazakhstan and a sheet bearing some kind of writing.
Some videos show him climbing the pulleys of the century-old bridge while carrying a square backpack on his back, similar to those used by delivery couriers.
Bridge closed, rescue at sea
Authorities had to temporarily close the bridge's pedestrian walkway, which is always crowded with tourists, for safety reasons, according to media reports.
The police harbor unit responded quickly and rescued Abaildayev from the water. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
