Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Man With Throwing Knives Allegedly Tried To Get Into Trump Tower To See Ivanka
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Jul 7, 2017
Modified Jul 7, 2017
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Getty Images
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Jul 7, 2017
Modified Jul 7, 2017
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A Bronx man wearing a bulletproof vest and toting throwing knives was arrested yesterday when he allegedly tried to enter Trump Tower in an attempt to see Ivanka Trump.
Adames Benitez, 52, allegedly tried to get into Trump Tower at around 4 p.m. yesterday, telling Secret Service agents he was a U.S. Senator and had to speak with the First Daughter about her clothing line. Police say he also claimed he owned the building.
When the agents realized he was wearing a bulletproof vest under his shirt, they searched him and discovered he was carrying two throwing knives. He was also allegedly in possession of a weighted sock and fake identification.
NYPD officers and Secret Service agents took Benitez into custody, charging him with criminal possession of a forged instrument and criminal possession of weapons. He was also taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he was given a psychiatric evaluation. Police told Gothamist he exhibited behavior consistent with that of an emotionally disturbed person.
Ivanka Trump was in Poland at the time.
Last year, Secret Service agents arrested Ivanka Trump's longtime stalker, Justin Massler, when he was found just a block from Trump Tower.
Tagged
ivanka trump
nypd
secret service
Trump Tower
Rebecca Fishbein
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Early Addition: Get to know Wanda, the donkey in the Met's 'La Bohème'
Because she's 18 years old now, here are your early links: The RHONY castmember mentioned in the Epstein Files, killing rats with carbon monoxide, Selena Gomez says don't vape and more.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 19, 2026 at 8:26 a.m. ET
Eric Adams' NYC buildings boss Eric Ulrich heads to trial, 3 years after arrest
Ulrich, a former city councilmember, is accused of trading access and favors for cash and bribes. He was the first aide to Mayor Adams charged with public corruption.
By
David Brand
and
Samantha Max
News
Eric Adams' NYC buildings boss Eric Ulrich heads to trial, 3 years after arrest
Ulrich, a former city councilmember, is accused of trading access and favors for cash and bribes. He was the first aide to Mayor Adams charged with public corruption.
By
David Brand
and
Samantha Max
Need help with mental health or addiction services? NYC has a new tool.
By
Caroline Lewis
NYC sues personal injury law firm accused of bogus trip-and-fall claims
By
Walter Wuthmann
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .