Police have identified and arrested a 44-year-old man who survived a jump from the Brooklyn Bridge on Sunday. Galymzhan Abaildayev was taken into custody after he climbed the north tower of the iconic bridge, removed his clothing, and leaped into the East River.
Before jumping, Abaildayev reportedly erected several flags atop the bridge, including one from Kazakhstan. Witnesses described the scene, with onlookers screaming as Abaildayev descended, appearing to use a piece of clothing or a bag as a makeshift parachute. The suspension towers of the Brooklyn Bridge are approximately 278 feet tall.
Harbor Unit officers quickly retrieved Abaildayev from the water and transported him to Bellevue Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition. He now faces charges including reckless endangerment, making graffiti, public lewdness, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct, according to police. MAGE3: url= | alt=A person jumping from the Brooklyn Bridge, circled in red. | dimensions=1333x2001
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.