Body camera video shows arrest of couple who climbed Empire State
Body camera footage released by the New York City Police Department shows a trespasser being arrested after climbing to the top of the Empire State Building.
“The View” co-host Sunny Hostin is representing her son Gabriel Hostin in his latest legal troubles.
The 24-year-old was charged with trespassing in New York City on June 16, according to records obtained by USA TODAY. No arrests were made in the incident, but the Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued a citation to Gabriel Hostin.
Sunny Hostin, who shares husband Emmanuel Hostin with Gabriel Hostin, is also a lawyer. She is listed as her son’s attorney and her next court appearance is scheduled for July 31, according to court records.
USA TODAY has reached out to a representative for Sunny Hostin for comment.
In a letter obtained by TMZ on Monday, July 13, Sunny Hostin asked prosecutors to dismiss the case, writing, “My client is a 2025 Harvard graduate with no criminal history or contact with the criminal justice system.”
She said Gabriel Hostin, “an avid runner and former Junior Olympic track and field athlete, was training in the area” when he saw “a gravel slope that could be used for hill training.” There was a “no trespassing” sign at the entrance gate, but “I didn’t see it[when Gabrielle Hostin entered the premises],” Sunny Hostin said.
“He reasonably believed the area was accessible and had no intention of unlawfully trespassing on private property,” she continued, noting that officers arrived at the scene “within minutes” of approaching Gabriel Hostin.
She also said that “the officer accepted that the gate should have been closed,” which supported her son’s “reasonable belief that the area appeared to be open and accessible to the public.”
“The facts show that this incident arose from honest mistake, not criminal intent,” Sunny Hostin wrote. “Dismissal will avoid imposing unnecessary consequences on a young man who has demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments and who poses no danger to the community.”
