Times Square had just a bit more chaos than usual on Thursday morning (June 30) after a naked man was spotted dancing on the TKTS staircase during the morning commute. An NYPD spokesperson told Billboard that the 21-year-old man was noticed by police shortly after 9 a.m. ET atop the iconic steps at Broadway and 47th.
“An emotionally disturbed person jumped from the TKTS booth staircase at 9:15 a.m. and was taken to Bellevue Hospital and is listed in stable condition,” the spokesperson said. “He sustained leg and arm injuries.” No charges have been filed in the case. The bizarre scene unleashed a social media flurry as it was unfolding, with a flood of tweets, Instagrams and Periscopes of the scene.
[UPDATES] Naked Man Taunts Cops In Times Square, Jumps Off TKTS Roof https://t.co/2y96hskd8l pic.twitter.com/SyPR13epAC
— Gothamist (@Gothamist) June 30, 2016
first itme i’m using periscope and it’s to watch a naked guy taunt cops in Times Square? Cool thurs https://t.co/c2yUyVRGQ5
— Chappell Ellison (@ChappellTracker) June 30, 2016
Police gave the unnamed man plenty of space during his rant atop the steps, moving an inflatable crash cushion back and forth below him to break a potential fall. Around 9:15 a.m. the man jumped from the 20-foot height, just barely missing the cushion.
I’ve seen things in Times Square b4 but… naked man punching at NYPD before jumping off TKTS roof – most bizarre pic.twitter.com/b5CVZD44VS
— Marc Santia (@MarcSantia4NY) June 30, 2016
they’re scooting it closer. pic.twitter.com/o9p52KW84R
— Chappell Ellison (@ChappellTracker) June 30, 2016