44-year-old man climbs Brooklyn Bridge, strips naked, plants flags and jumps into East River; survives, identified and charged by NYPD
A 44-year-old man miraculously survived after jumping from the top of New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge on Sunday, authorities said. According to the latest update, the man has been identified as Galymzhan Abaildayev, a Brooklyn resident, who now faces multiple charges following the dramatic incident.As reported by the New York Post, the incident took place around 2.30 pm on Sunday when Abaildayev climbed the north tower of the Brooklyn Bridge on the Manhattan side, removed his clothes and erected several flags before leaping into the East River.Police said officers from the NYPD Emergency Services Unit attempted to persuade him to come down safely, but he jumped instead.
Dramatic rescue after Brooklyn Bridge jump
Videos of the incident show shocked onlookers screaming as the man jumped from the bridge. He appeared to hold a piece of clothing or a bag above his head during the fall, seemingly using it as a makeshift parachute.Despite falling from one of the bridge’s suspension towers, which stands about 278 feet tall, Abaildayev survived the impact.Harbor Unit officers quickly rescued him from the East River before he was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.
Kazakhstan flag among those placed on the bridge
According to the publication, Abaildayev allegedly placed several flags atop the bridge before jumping. Sources told the publication that one of the flags was the national flag of Kazakhstan, while another appeared to be a blanket with handwritten messages. Authorities have not disclosed what was written on it or the motive behind the act.
Multiple charges filed
The publication reported that police have charged Abaildayev with reckless endangerment, making graffiti, public lewdness, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.The motive behind the incident remains under investigation.The incident comes less than a month after NYPD officers rescued a distressed woman who had climbed onto the steel cables of the Brooklyn Bridge and spent more than an hour trying to convince her to come down safely.
