New York officials arrested two men after they were observed climbing out of a city manhole on Wednesday, an incident that occurred near the hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was slated to stay for the United Nations General Assembly.
Arrests and Charges
Police identified the suspects as Kevin Rodriguez, 26, and Samuel Reveron, 25, both residents of Queens. They were charged with conspiracy and trespassing. After officers responded around 4:30 p.m. EST, the men fled the scene but were apprehended the following day. During a hearing on Friday, both pleaded not guilty and were released pending further proceedings.
Police Statement and Security Context
In a statement to the BBC, the NYPD said the incident fit a pattern of people entering the sewer system to look for valuables after a storm. The department added, "This incident fits that same criteria, but out of an abundance of caution given the U.N. General Assembly and the sensitivity of the location, the NYPD is conducting additional security sweeps with our federal partners."
Recent Similar Incidents
Authorities noted a string of comparable events in recent months:
- In August, surveillance footage captured a person emerging from a manhole in Queens early in the morning.
- Later that month, three individuals wearing overalls and headlamps were seen climbing out of a manhole near Penn Station.
- In May, a group was recorded shifting a manhole cover and descending into a sewer in South Brooklyn.
Legal and Safety Warnings
Entering the city’s underground drainage system is both illegal and hazardous. The Department of Environmental Protection warned that confined spaces pose risks of toxic gases and flooding. It urged the public never to enter pipes, drains, catch basins, manholes, or outfalls. The city has also recorded a fatality this year when a woman fell into an open manhole after opening her car door in Midtown Manhattan.
What This Means for the Public
While the recent arrests underscore heightened security around high‑profile events, they also highlight ongoing safety concerns for anyone tempted to explore the city’s hidden infrastructure. Law enforcement officials continue to monitor the sewer network and advise citizens to report suspicious activity rather than attempt entry themselves.
