On October 9, a 33-year-old man, identified as Jeffrey Hernandez, was charged with criminal mischief and trespassing after he jumped into the North Pool of the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.
The act, which was captured on video, showed Hernandez hurling himself 30 feet into the basin of the memorial, causing a scene of horror among onlookers.
Upon receiving a distress call around 1:30 p.m., police officers from the 1st Precinct swiftly responded to the scene. They found Hernandez in the 20-foot ‘central void’ of the reflecting pool, which is filled with approximately 18 inches of water.
He was immediately taken into custody at the scene.
A man jumped into the north reflecting pool at 9/11 memorial. He survived & was arrested. He told an officer he did it for his father. Itβs unclear if he lost anyone on 9/11 or what the specific motive was. #NYC #NewYorkCityhttps://t.co/SS8ZhwJZdm pic.twitter.com/bPxXn1hz47
— π΄π»Ο»π΄π π΅Β΅π³π³ βοΈ (@Elmr_Fudd_again) October 10, 2023
Hernandez sustained injuries during his reckless act, including a visible gash on his head and an injured leg. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to the scene and transported him to NYC Health & Hospitals/Bellevue in stable condition.
The area was reopened shortly after the incident.
The incident raised concerns about the safety and sanctity of the 9/11 Memorial. Prior to the construction of the reflection pools, counterterrorism experts had expressed worries that the sites could become targets for terrorist activity.
Now, it seems, they may also be magnets for individuals seeking to make misguided personal statements or acts of self-harm. Former Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly noted authorities must consider the possibility of someone attempting suicide at the monument.
Grief experts have also suggested that the memorial could trigger negative psychological reactions, particularly among those who have a direct connection to the atrocities of 9/11.
Man jumps into reflecting pool at 9/11 Memorial in New York City
The 33-year-old man was arrested and taken to Bellevue Hospital with a leg injury, police said#NewYork pic.twitter.com/Qs4Zw4QkFX
— ImJohn313 (@ImJohn_313) October 10, 2023
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased security measures and mental health support systems around such emotionally charged landmarks.
It is crucial to ensure these sites remain places of solemn remembrance and resilience, rather than becoming stages for dangerous and disrespectful acts.
As the investigation into this incident continues, it is hoped this unfortunate event will lead to a renewed commitment to preserving the dignity and sanctity of the 9/11 Memorial. The memorial stands as a testament to our nation’s resilience in the face of tragedy and it’s our collective responsibility to ensure it is treated with the respect it deserves.
