Dramatic bodycam footage released by the NYPD shows the moments heroic officers pulled a woman from the steel cables of the Brooklyn Bridge. The incident occurred Wednesday evening, shortly before 7:40 p.m., when the woman climbed high above the East River.
Officers were heard on the footage attempting to talk the woman down, with one stating, "I wanna help you, that's why I'm up here right now. I genuinely care, I do. It's a permanent solution to a temporary problem, it really is. I don't know what you're going through but I want to understand. We have services we can get you to."
The footage shows officers approaching the woman as her feet dangled over the edge of the steel cable. "The strongest thing you can do right now is accept help, I promise you," an officer can be heard saying. "That's the strongest thing you can do."
Sources indicated the woman, who was not identified, has a history of mental health issues. She remained on the span for over an hour while police worked to persuade her to come down.
Finally, officers were able to reach her. One officer grabbed the woman in a bear hug, saying, "Don't do it. Don't do it, please. please, please. I got you. You're okay, I promise. I got you, I promise. Everything's gonna be ok. You're not in trouble."
Following the rescue, the woman was transported to a local hospital for observation. The eastbound lanes of the bridge, which had been closed due to the incident, were reopened around 10 p.m. Wednesday.
For individuals in New York City struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, free and confidential counseling is available by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL. Outside of New York City, the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline can be reached by dialing 988, or by visiting SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.