Man arrested after sneaking into Gracie Mansion to steal Christmas ornament on New Year's
Gracie Mansion in New York, US, on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Photographer: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images
NEW YORK - A 20-year-old man was arrested early on New Year’s Day after breaking into Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Police say Michael Aromando, an Upper East Side resident who lives a few blocks away, climbed over the mansion’s fence at around 4:23 a.m. and was caught wandering inside by an NYPD officer assigned to the property’s security detail.
Surveillance footage allegedly shows Aromando entering the grounds and moving through areas inside the mansion, including at least one bedroom.
When arrested, Aromando was reportedly carrying a Christmas ornament he had taken from a drawer inside the residence.
According to police, he showed investigators a video on his phone of himself removing the ornament during the break-in.
Gracie Mansion in New York, US, on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Photographer: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images
It is still unclear how he managed to gain access to the building or what his intentions were.
Officals say several items were recovered from him during the arrest.
It is unclear if Mayor Eric Adams or any members of his staff were at Gracie Mansion at the time of the break-in.
Aromando was taken into custody without incident and has been charged with multiple counts of burglary.
During Aromando’s arraignment, a judge set bail at $5,000 cash, imposed an 11 p.m. curfew, and ordered him to stay away from Gracie Mansion.
He is expected to appear in court again on Monday, Jan. 6.