A New York resident, Jeffrey Hernandez, 33, has been charged with trespass and criminal mischief after he dramatically threw himself into the 9/11 memorial’s 20-foot ‘central void’ reflecting pool. The distressing incident took place at the World Trade Center site in Manhattan on Monday afternoon.
Disturbing video footage captured Hernandez initially plunging 30ft into the memorial basin. He was later seen on the edge of the ‘central void’ before descending headfirst into it. The immediate aftermath showed him with a head wound and the surrounding water tainted with blood.
Officials from the NYPD confirmed that after an assessment by medical professionals at Bellevue Hospital, Hernandez was charged. Located on Pearl Street in Manhattan, he had previously injured himself from the initial jump, causing alarm among bystanders.
Detailing the incident, an official statement mentioned, “On Monday, October 9, 2023, at approximately 1:30 pm, officers were called to the North Pool at the World Trade Center. Upon their arrival, they found a 33-year-old male who had jumped into the North pool. After securing the individual, he was transported to NYC Health & Hospitals/Bellevue in stable condition with a leg injury.” The investigation into the incident is still in progress.
The Fire Department swiftly arrived at the scene to assist Hernandez. Sources indicate he mentioned to one of the responders that he committed the act “for his father”. After being extricated, Hernandez was taken to a nearby hospital, citing ‘back pain’ and the already mentioned leg injury. The memorial area was reopened shortly after.
The initial call to officials, which came in at 1.30 pm, reported a ‘jumper in the fountain’. Following a mental health assessment, further trespassing charges might be pressed against Hernandez.
