Dramatic bodycam footage has been released showing the moment New York City police officers rescued a woman perched atop the steel cables of the Brooklyn Bridge above the East River on Wednesday. The NYPD's Emergency Service Unit responded to the bridge around 7:38 p.m. to find a person in distress.
The video shows officers climbing the bridge to reach the woman, whose feet dangled over the edge of one of the bridge's steel cables. One officer attempts to engage with the woman, asking her to talk and offering help.
The officer continued speaking with the woman, urging her to accept help and telling her that it's a permanent solution to a temporary problem. He expressed his genuine care and willingness to understand what she was going through, and mentioned that services were available to help her.
As the woman stood on the cable while holding onto another support cable with one arm, an officer moved close enough to wrap his arms around her and pull her to safety. He reassured her, saying "Don't do it. Don't do it, please. Please, please. I got you. You're okay, I promise. I got you, I promise. Everything's gonna be OK. You're not in trouble."
Police said officers spent nearly an hour talking with the woman before safely bringing her down the bridge. The rescue unfolded during rush hour and forced the closure of all eastbound lanes on the bridge for several hours.
NYPD officials have praised the responding officers for their care, courage, and compassion during the rescue. The bodycam video of the rescue has been shared, giving a glimpse into the intense and emotional moment.
