Two men have been arrested in New York City in connection with a string of incidents in which people were seen emerging from manholes across the city, according to multiple outlets.
The men were identified as Kevin Rodriguez and Samuel Reveron, according to The Guardian. Police reportedly suspect the pair were searching the sewer and storm drain system for valuables that had washed down into it, according to The Guardian and the New York Post, which reported they were specifically looking for gold.
The New York Post reported the arrests occurred near a manhole close to a New York City hotel, a detail not confirmed by other outlets.
The unusual sightings had drawn wide attention before the arrests, with some outlets referring to those involved as 'mole people,' according to the Mirror and the New York Post.
How each side covered it
Left
- Identified the two men arrested as Kevin Rodriguez and Samuel Reveron, according to The Guardian.
- Reported police suspicion that the men were searching for valuables washed into storm drains.
- Framed the story around 'mole people' emerging from sewers across the city.
“2 Men Were Searching for Gold in New York City’s Sewers, Police Say” — The New York Times
Center
- Reported the arrests briefly, confirming two men were arrested after emerging from sewers.
- Did not provide extensive detail on suspects' identities or motives.
“Two arrests made after men emerged from New York City sewers” — BBC News
Right
- Used the term 'mole people' to describe those involved.
- Reported that the men were searching for gold, according to the New York Post and RedState.
- The New York Post specified the arrest occurred near a manhole close to a hotel.
“Gold-digging ‘mole people’ arrested for diving into manhole near NYC hotel” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What happened in New York City involving people emerging from sewers?
Two men, identified as Kevin Rodriguez and Samuel Reveron, were arrested after being seen climbing out of manholes across New York City. Police reportedly suspect they were searching the sewer system for valuables, including gold.
Why were the men allegedly going into the sewers?
According to The Guardian, The New York Times and other outlets, police suspect the men were searching for gold or other valuables that had been washed into the storm drains and sewer system.
Who were the people arrested?
The Guardian identified the two men arrested as Kevin Rodriguez and Samuel Reveron.
What did left-, center- and right-leaning outlets focus on?
Left-leaning outlets focused on identifying the suspects and the police theory about valuables washed into drains. Center outlets reported the arrests briefly and factually. Right-leaning outlets emphasized the 'mole people' nickname and the gold-searching motive.
Is this story still developing?
Yes, details such as exact charges, timing, and the full circumstances of the arrests have not been consistently reported across outlets.
Sources · 9 outlet reports
- ABC NewsLeft-leaningWATCH: 2 arrested in mysterious New York City sewers case
- NBC NewsLeft-leaningMystery solved? Two arrested in connection with NYC’s sewer emergence
- The GuardianLeft-leaningTwo people arrested in New York City for allegedly climbing out of manhole
- The MirrorLeft-leaningMen 'seen emerging from New York sewer' in latest bizarre incident – arrests made
- The New York TimesLeft-leaning2 Men Were Searching for Gold in New York City’s Sewers, Police Say
- BBC NewsCenterTwo arrests made after men emerged from New York City sewers
- BBC SportCenterTwo arrested after people seen mysteriously emerging from various New York City sewers
- New York PostRight-leaningGold-digging ‘mole people’ arrested for diving into manhole near NYC hotel
- RedStateRight-leaningThey Caught the New York Mole People — Looking for Gold!