A man scaled Oklahoma’s tallest building on Tuesday to protest abortion.
Maison Des Champs, who describes himself as a “pro-life Spiderman”, was spotted scaling Devon Tower in Oklahoma City, according to KFOR. The outlet reported that Des Champs had made similar climbs in other cities, including San Francisco and New York.
The abortion debate has been a hot topic following a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion in which it shows the court could potentially overturn Roe v. Wade ‘s landmark 1970s decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
In May, the Department of Homeland Security issued a warning about an increase in threats of violence if the Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Last week, a pro-choice activist reportedly told police he wanted to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Oklahoma City police told Newsweek that Des Champs “is currently facing charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct.”
At a news conference after Des Champs’ arrest, police said they initially received a call about a man climbing outside the tower around 8:40 a.m.
Great teamwork today by all of our first responder partners who helped with the climber at Devon Tower.
Maison Des Champs was arrested at the top of the building after scaling it. He will be booked on complaints of trespassing and disorderly conduct. pic.twitter.com/v1TNJ8oGnl
— Oklahoma City Police (@OKCPD) June 14, 2022
Police and firefighters have begun implementing safety protocols, such as closing streets in the area, police said. Members of these emergency teams were then placed on top of the building to encourage him to descend the tower or continue climbing the building before he was eventually taken into custody.
KFOR reported that Des Champs was broadcasting his ascent of the 50-story tower on Instagram and that the purpose was to protest against abortion. Des Champs reportedly made the climb without using any equipment.
The Oklahoma City Police Department released a number of social media posts, including one in which it said it was aware of the man climbing Devon Tower and advised the public to avoid the downtown.
About half an hour later, in a follow-up tweet, the police department mentioned that “the individual is in custody at the top of the building.”
Des Champs was transported to the Oklahoma County Detention Center.
The climb was a first for Oklahoma City Police, who said the only similar situation the department encountered was when someone jumped from the tower during its construction.
They also said there was a second interviewee in relation to Des Champs. The person was there to film the ascent of Des Champs.