Climber Arrested After Scaling Trump Tower

Climber Arrested After Scaling Trump Tower

An individual, who has still not been named by NYPD, was arrested yesterday afternoon after scaling the side of Trump Tower in an effort to get the attention of Donald Trump.

The man, initially identified as a 20-year-old, started his ascent around 4:00 p.m. and quickly gained altitude as first responders began to try to isolate him on the building. They first tried to talk him down when he made it to the 5th floor, breaking a window to gain access to the climber. They also lowered the bucket-like vehicle that is usually occupied by window washers, but this time it was negotiators and NYPD trying to get the climber to end his journey up Trump Tower.

By 5:45 p.m., NYPD told reporters that they would no longer be breaking any windows, as the glass could fall and hurt those standing by watching the incident occur, but by 6:20 p.m. they were able to remove two windows on the 21st floor, blocking the climber from going any higher.   

By 6:30 p.m., NYPD had successfully pulled the individual inside the building.

Onlookers and first responders didn’t know what to think as news started to spread that a man was climbing the Trump Tower. Many began to speculate that he was going to carry out an attack of some sort. The backpack he had on his back left a lot to the imaginations of those watching on the sidewalks below.

By the time police had pulled the man inside the building, they had found a video on YouTube of the suspect explaining why he climbed the tower. In the video titled, “A Message to Mr. Trump” the man explains that he has something urgent he would like to discuss with Trump and said his only way to get his attention was to complete the stunt.

The man was taken to Bellevue Hospital for a psychological evaluation, according to law enforcement. NYPD has been in touch with his family.

The man is expected to face several state charges from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office sometime Thursday morning.

 

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • UL Solutions Launches Artificial Intelligence Safety Certification Services

    UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in safety science, today announced the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) safety certification services, enabling comprehensive assessments for evaluating the safety of AI-powered products. Read Now

  • ESA Announces Initiative to Introduce the SECURE Act in State Legislatures

    The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the national voice for the electronic security and life safety industry, has announced plans to introduce the SECURE Act in state legislatures across the country beginning in 2025. The proposal, known as Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures, provides a clear framework that allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for professional security services. Read Now

    • Guard Services
  • Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

    Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services
  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.