The man who jumped naked from the Brooklyn Bridge on Sunday was an activist protesting Kazakhstan's government who had planned the stunt for his birthday, according to his roommate.
Galymzhan Abaildayev, 44, is facing multiple charges after leaping from the bridge's north tower into the East River, where he was rescued by the NYPD Harbor Unit. His roommate, Josh Karadag, told The Post that Abaildayev had spoken about his intention to jump.
"He was telling me he was going to do it," Karadag said. "Yesterday was his birthday."
Before jumping, Abaildayev affixed several flags to the bridge, including one representing Kazakhstan, his home country. He is a vocal opponent of the government there.
"The only thing that makes him crazy is the politics in Kazakhstan," Karadag explained. He described Abaildayev as a respectful individual troubled by the country's prime minister, Oljas Bektenov.
Karadag, a Turkish-born artist, said Abaildayev had recently expressed dissatisfaction with his life, describing it as boring and penniless. Abaildayev reportedly ignored pleas from Karadag not to make the jump.
"He never wanted to live. It was obvious he was going to jump," Karadag stated.
Abaildayev, who was hospitalized after the fall, also lives with a girlfriend. According to a YouTube page associated with Abaildayev, he documented biking adventures in New York City and offered services to deliver speeches in various languages. The page's description noted that texts could be read aloud and published for clients, including declarations of love or wishes.
Abaildayev was reportedly inspired by two individuals who had previously jumped from the bridge in the preceding month.