An overzealous Trump supporter who climbed Trump Tower on Aug. 10 in order to speak with Donald Trump has been charged, according to police.
Using large suction cups, Rogata’s climb began at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and lasted nearly three hours before he was taken down by responding officers at the 21st floor.
Police announced on Aug. 11 that Stephen Rogata was charged with reckless endangerment and trespassing for his bold climb of the 68-story skyscraper located on Fifth Ave. and E. 56th St. Rogata is currently at Bellevue Hospital where he is undergoing a mental health evaluation.
The details leading up to Rogata’s quest to speak with Trump have emerged. According to police, the 19-year-old drove a 1998 Honda car from Virginia and upon arrival checked into the Bowery Grand Hotel Tuesday night. The hotel is located 3.8 miles away from the Trump Tower.
According to ABC7, Rogata’s given name was Michael Joseph Ryan, but he had recently changed his name and had new identification.
A notebook filled with handwritten notes and references to a YouTube video entitled, “Message to Mr. Trump (why I climbed your tower)” was recovered by police. The video, uploaded on Aug. 9, depicts a hooded Rogata asking the Republican presidential candidate for an one-on-one meeting to discuss an “important matter.”
“The reason I climbed your Tower was to get your attention,” he says in a monotone. “If I had sought this via conventional means, I would be much less likely to have success because you are a busy man with many responsibilities.”
As the one minute clip ends, he asks that individuals vote for Trump in the 2016 presidential election.
Following the stunt, Trump took to Twitter to praise the New York Police Department for its efforts.
“Great job today by the NYPD in protecting the people and saving the climber,” he tweeted.
This is the second incident involving the Trump Tower in the month. On Aug. 2, a retired police officer was arrested for refusing Secret Service orders to leave a secured area that was blocked off for Trump’s approaching motorcade.
Anthony Shark, 54, was charged with one count of assaulting and resisting a Secret Service agent. If convicted, he could face as many as eight years in prison.
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