A woman without a home was found mumbling on a sidewalk in Manhattan during dangerously low temperatures, and first responders said city guidelines prevented them from intervening.
The woman, whose identity remains unknown, was seen around 34th Street, near NYU Langone Hospital, early Sunday morning. She was dressed in a hooded sweatshirt and slippers, wrapped in two blankets, and was seen cutting her nails and applying lotion while temperatures hovered near zero.
Despite multiple offers of help from paramedics and police, she declined assistance. First responders explained that because she could answer basic questions, they had to leave her there, complying with the controversial homelessness policy of Mayor Zoran Mamdani.
One firefighter mentioned to the media that she was aware of her surroundings and knew specific details, such as the current year and the president’s name. They emphasized their inability to force her to leave, noting, “We can’t kidnap her. She can’t kidnap her.”
Later, the woman claimed she was conducting an “investigation.”
Mamdani has received criticism for not removing individuals from the streets, especially during this cold snap, which has resulted in several fatalities.
“Some people will survive. Some people don’t,” he acknowledged regarding the situation.
A paramedic at the scene expressed concern, saying, “I don’t want to leave her here. My hands are tied.”
This woman was first spotted around 9:30 p.m. Saturday and remained until at least 3 a.m. Sunday. At one point, she took out a broom and started sweeping the sidewalk, despite the harsh cold.
Reports indicate she was still on the street into Sunday afternoon.
Criticism has been directed at the mayor for his reluctance to clear homeless encampments during the ongoing frigid weather. On Sunday, temperatures in the city were lower than in Antarctica, prompting an extreme cold warning for the area.
Democratic City Councilman Oswald Ferris recently inquired about potential actions to ensure that all New Yorkers have safe, warm places to stay, emphasizing the need for increased outreach efforts to assist homeless individuals.
When a call was made about a female vagrant on Saturday, the 311 operator noted a high volume of “Code Blue calls” due to the perilous weather conditions. Emergency services arrived around 11 p.m.
The woman identified herself as “Mr. Aimley” and insisted, “I have a home,” while pointing to her bag of belongings.
When asked if it was cold, she stated, “It’s not cold,” before expressing frustration with their inquiries.
Three fire department vehicles and an NYPD officer later arrived to assist. Although firefighters provided her with a blanket and hand warmer, she accepted them without opening them.
She questioned why assistance wasn’t given to those unable to move, asserting, “I can walk. I’m fine.” Ultimately, emergency responders left, citing their limitations under current guidelines.
Though firefighters deemed her mentally competent based on her responses, she appeared to alternate between coherent and disjointed thoughts.
At one point, she pointed to the hospital, stating, “That’s not a hospital. This is a repost.” She also remarked that the entire area from 28th to 37th Street was a “repost.”
A worker from a local deli mentioned that the woman had been living outside the store for three years and occasionally received food from them.
When approached for comments, she expressed a desire not to engage with reporters, requesting, “I want them to stop harassing me.”
