A 20-year-old man was arrested early New Year’s Day after breaking into Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and stealing a Christmas ornament, authorities said.
Details of the Break-In
The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on January 1 when the suspect climbed a fence surrounding Gracie Mansion, a historic residence located in a park on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The man entered the second floor of the property and was discovered in a bathroom minutes after gaining access, police said.
Ornament and Other Items Recovered
During questioning at a local police precinct, the suspect presented detectives with a video showing him removing a Christmas ornament from a drawer inside the mansion, according to a criminal complaint. He returned the ornament along with several other unspecified items.
Suspect Resides Nearby
The man, who reportedly lives just a few blocks from Gracie Mansion, is scheduled to appear in a Manhattan court for arraignment on Thursday. Authorities have not yet disclosed his motive for the break-in.
Mayor Not Home at the Time
A spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that the mayor was not present at the time of the break-in. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Security Concerns Raised
The break-in has sparked discussions about the security measures in place at Gracie Mansion, which serves as both a residence and a symbol of the city’s governance. While no significant harm was caused, the intrusion highlights the vulnerabilities of high-profile residences and the need for robust security protocols.
