Security Concerns Grow As Video Of NYC Bridge Scaling Posted To YouTube
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- From buildings to bridges, security concerns are growing after a new stunt in Manhattan.
As CBS 2's Jessica Schneider reported Sunday, another stunt has taken danger to new heights and put a spotlight on major lapses in security around New York City.
Street artist Judith Supine said he recorded his climb atop the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge around 4 a.m. last Tuesday to showcase a piece of his art.
"It's just something I like to do for fun. To be naughty and run around the city and put my art in places I'm not supposed to," he said.
Supine's climb went virtually undetected until he uploaded the video evidence to YouTube, Schneider reported.
The latest stunt comes at a time of heightened sensitivity about security surrounding New York City's major landmarks.
Earlier this month, a 16-year-old New Jersey boy snuck through a hole in the fence and past a security guard at 1 World Trade Center. Then snapped pictures at the top of the tower.
And just last week several men turned themselves in to police after video of them BASE jumping from atop 1 World Trade Center in September was posted on YouTube.
The group had snuck through a faulty fence, Schneider reported.
Sen. Charles Schumer has now called for the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a review of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's safety procedures at the World Trade Center construction site.
He said this latest display of bridge scaling should also be taken seriously.
"These days you say who else could climb to the top of the Queensboro Bridge for a much more evil purpose? We have to be far more careful with our landmarks, with all of our entryways. Far more careful," the lawmaker said.
The Brooklyn Bridge has two police officers stationed at each side 24/7 since it is considered a terrorist target, Schneider reported.
But now security experts wonder if there should be greater security measures put in place at other bridges.
"It's very difficult to protect bridges because if you don't have a dedicated force there, how do you stop someone from randomly climbing a structure in the middle of the night when he/she is unseen?" said security expert Manny Gomez.
Gomez suggests more cameras and more manpower at all of New York City's bridges and tunnels.
Sen. Schumer said he wants quick action to beef up security, especially at the World Trade Center site.
"We have to make sure there are no weak links."
Police told CBS 2 they are looking into the incident at the Queensboro Bridge.
The Port Authority responded to Schumer's recommendations Sunday, saying "The recent security lapses at the World Trade Center construction site are unacceptable, and the Port Authority and the Durst Organization have taken significant steps to address them."
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