Two Men Arrested for Sewer Trespassing in NYC Amid UN Summit

Key points

• Samuel Reveron and Kevin Rodriguez were arrested on trespassing charges after emerging from a manhole near East 61st Street and Park Avenue at 1:38 a.m. on Wednesday.
• The incident occurred near the Loews Regency hotel, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously stayed, though he did not stay there this week.
• Reveron and Rodriguez admitted to entering the sewer to look for valuables washed away by storm drains, according to court records.
• The arrests follow a series of similar sewer sightings in NYC since May, including incidents in Brooklyn and near Penn Station.
• NYPD conducted additional security sweeps due to the UN General Assembly, but no link to the event was found.

Background

New York City has seen multiple incidents of people emerging from sewers since May 2026, sparking public fascination and theories about 'mole people.' Earlier incidents included sightings in Brooklyn and near Penn Station, with the NYPD investigating whether the events were connected. The latest incident occurred during the UN General Assembly, raising security concerns.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and The Guardian reported the arrests and the suspects' admission to searching for valuables. The New York Post emphasized the 'gold-digging' motive and the proximity to the Loews Regency hotel, where Netanyahu had previously stayed. All sources agreed that the incident was not linked to the UN General Assembly, but the NYPD conducted additional security sweeps due to the event's sensitivity. The Post also noted that Reveron had an immigration detainer and a prior arrest for criminal mischief, while NBC News highlighted Reveron's attorney's defense that there was no nefarious intent.

Why it matters

The arrests provide a potential explanation for the series of mysterious sewer sightings in NYC, which had sparked public speculation and security concerns. The incident also highlights the dangers of unauthorized sewer entry and the need for increased security during major events like the UN General Assembly.

What to watch

Reveron and Rodriguez were granted supervised release after their arraignment. The NYPD will continue to investigate the incident and any potential connections to other sewer sightings. The suspects' attorney, Brian Kennedy, stated that he would counsel Reveron not to enter sewers again due to the dangers involved.