VIDEO: Man climbs Philadelphia City Hall tower

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- An urban explorer has posted video of his climb up Philadelphia City Hall's clock tower, but officials are not amused.

He did it without safety equipment, without fear, and without permission.

The climber made his ascent sometime before July 21, while scaffolding still surrounded the statue of William Penn.

One image shows him dangling his feet more than 500 feet above the ground.

He identifies himself as Carson King of Washington, D.C.

In his seven minute video, he is seen going up the stairway atop City Hall, entering a door to the interior of the clock tower, and going to the stairway, then to the observation deck.

Then, he climbs out onto the scaffolding surrounding the nearly 40 foot tall bronze statue of William Penn.

King says he passed no 'Do Not Enter' and "No Trespassing" signs.

City officials and the police are calling his actions dangerous and illegal.

"What might seem adventurous or recreational is very, very, very dangerous, I can't stress that enough," said Capt. Sekou Kinnebrew. "It's also possibly illegal. We're looking at it from a trespassing standpoint."

But some in the City Hall courtyard on Tuesday had a good laugh at the daredevil's exploits.

"It's pretty incredible. I don't think I'd do it myself, but it makes for a hell of a video," said Kevin Taylor of South Philadelphia. "Hopefully police don't find him."

----------

Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps