Police have closed the upper level of the George Washington Bridge reportedly due to an armed jumper. All lanes on the upper level of the bridge have been closed off in both directions. Both the NYPD and ESU are on the scene.
Reports are saying that there was a suicidal jumper armed with a pellet gun, which was handed over to police at some point during the standoff. Port Authority police spoke to the man as he held onto the outside of the railing. Rescuers soon managed to get ahold of him and bring him safely back onto the bridge.
All traffic is being diverted to alternate routes and transit officials are warning of delays up to two hours crossing the bridge.
The upper level was closed down around 10:20 A.M. EST due to the activity.
The George Washington bridge is one of the busiest bridges in the United States. Eighteen people jumped to their death from the bridge in 2015, and 12 people jumped to their death in 2016. Since 2014 the George Washington Bridge “suicide squad” has prevented 230 people from taking their lives by jumping from the bridge, the Daily News reported, with 70 potential suicide jumpers being saved last year alone. According to WNYC, someone attempts suicide from the GW Bridge every 3.5 days.
George Washington’s birthday — February 22, 1732 — was celebrated two days ago.
UPDATE 11:06 A.M. EST: The armed jumper has reportedly been taken into custody.
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