A bizarre protest is taking place on the Tappan Zee bridge. ABC News reports a man is dangling 75 feet down from the middle of the span, suspended halfway between the water and the bridge on a rope ladder. He is sitting on a large, flapping sign that reads "Rockland Executive Legislature Coverup Retaliation."
Nyack-Piermont Patch has confirmed the man is Michael Davitt, a Rockland County resident who has recently appeared at several county council meetings alleging that he had wrongfully lost his job with the county. Rockland County Sheriff James Kralik told Patch Davitt's held several protests outside the Rockland County Office Building in New City and has made appearances before the Rockland County Legislature. Davitt's also reportedly made "somewhat threatening" remarks about the Legislature, according to Kralik.
Davitt previously worked for the Department of Mental Health.
NBC News reports the 54 year-old is wearing an American flag bandana and has been sitting on the bottom rung of the rope ladder since about 10:45AM. Starting with a black long-sleeved shirt Davitt has since stripped down to a white tanktop. He is sipping from a thermos.
Meanwhile, CBS News reports two lanes of traffic have been closed because of the incident and boats are circling in the water below.
[UPDATE] CNN reports that during rescue attempt, Davitt jumped into the water below. He was picked up by a boat and is currently in police custody.