Trump Tower climber charged with trespassing and reckless endangerment | New York

Publish date: 2022-08-23
Stephen Rogata’s climb was livestreamed around the world as police inflated large crash pads and shut down the street in an attempt to get him down on Wednesday. Photograph: AFP/Getty ImagesStephen Rogata’s climb was livestreamed around the world as police inflated large crash pads and shut down the street in an attempt to get him down on Wednesday. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
New York This article is more than 7 years old

Trump Tower climber charged with trespassing and reckless endangerment

This article is more than 7 years old

The man who climbed Trump Tower has been charged with reckless endangerment and trespassing, police announced on Thursday.

Stephen Rogata, who had recently changed his name from Michael Joseph Ryan, made headlines on Wednesday when he used four suction cups and a series of ropes to attempt to climb Donald Trump’s 58-story building in midtown Manhattan. The incident was livestreamed around the world as police inflated large crash pads and shut down the street in an attempt to get him down. He was eventually apprehended through the window of the building on the 21st floor.

Man climbs Trump Tower in New York City using suction cupsRead more

The 19-year old from Great Falls, Virginia, later told police he was seeking an “audience” with Donald Trump.

Rogata had reportedly driven from Great Falls to New York on Tuesday night before checking into the Bowery Grand Hotel at 10am on Wednesday.

A video he uploaded to YouTube surfaced shortly afterward, in which he explained his motives: “I am an independent researcher seeking a private audience with you to discuss an important matter. I guarantee that it’s in your interest to honor this request,” he said in the video.

He is now being held at Bellevue hospital under police supervision where he is currently under psychological evaluation.

The tower is the headquarters for Trump’s campaign and his businesses and is also his residence.

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