Naked Man Survives Brooklyn Bridge Jump with Backpack Parachute, Faces Charges

A 44-year-old man miraculously survived a naked plunge from the Brooklyn Bridge on Sunday, using a backpack held over his head as a makeshift parachute. The daring stunt, captured on viral videos, concluded with his rescue by the New York Police Department's Harbor Unit.

The incident occurred around 2:30 PM local time when the man, identified as Galymzhan Abaildayev, climbed the north tower of the iconic bridge on the Manhattan side. Dozens of onlookers witnessed the event. Authorities reported that Abaildayev placed several flags, including Kazakhstan's flag and a blanket with inscriptions, atop the structure before shedding his clothes and leaping into the East River.

Footage widely shared online shows Abaildayev falling toward the water, backpack held aloft in an apparent attempt to slow his descent. Emergency Service Unit officers had tried to persuade him to come down from the tower prior to his jump, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The suspension tower from which he jumped stands approximately 85 meters high.

After hitting the water, Abaildayev was promptly rescued by the Harbor Unit and transported to NYC Health + Hospitals Bellevue. He is reported to be in stable condition and out of danger. The following day, police announced that Abaildayev faces charges including reckless endangerment, graffiti, public lewdness, trespassing, and disorderly conduct. The most serious charge, second-degree reckless endangerment, is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a fine.