Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Ray Kelly To Nik Wallenda: No Aerial Walks Above NYC
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jun 25, 2013
Modified Jun 25, 2013
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 .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jun 25, 2013
Modified Jun 25, 2013
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
While Nik Wallenda has successfully walked a wire over the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, he won't be allowed to walk over the much more populated Manhattan. Following his last stunt, the daredevil mentioned his desire to walk on a wire strung between the two iconic buildings, but as predicted his biggest challenge is getting permission.
NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly addressed Wallenda's dream yesterday, saying, "I don’t think it’d be wise in this city. We have thousands of New Yorkers who certainly can be put at risk." He added, “It’s dangerous to cross the Grand Canyon, and obviously, there’s water at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Here, we have thousands of New Yorkers." Presumably it would be too difficult to block off the area below, which spans around 9 blocks and 4,000 feet, not including a buffer area that would be needed.
And since Wallenda plays by the rules, with his stunts airing on television, don't expect him to pull some epic Philippe Petit type thing.
Tagged
daredevil
nik wallenda
Ray Kelly
stunt
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.
Before they attempt to fend off LeBron James and the 76ers on Tuesday, the Knicks will have a chance to show off their winning mentality through their tunnel fits.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 19, 2026 at 12:43 p.m. ET
Will Barnes and Noble in the East Village spell doom for smaller shops? It's complicated.
Independent booksellers are grappling with whether the big-box chain is a threat or an ally in the fight against Amazon.
By
Sonia Rao
Arts & Entertainment
Will Barnes and Noble in the East Village spell doom for smaller shops? It's complicated.
Independent booksellers are grappling with whether the big-box chain is a threat or an ally in the fight against Amazon.
By
Sonia Rao
Can eligible NYC singles find love with 30 minutes and some really spicy food?
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
How the NYC Marathon has changed in the last 50 years
By
Hannah Frishberg
A visit to Art of Play, the Brooklyn store in an animatronic bird beef with Kelly Clarkson
By
Sonia Rao
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 .