7 people suddenly crawl out of a New York manhole, triggering concern and an NYPD probe. Now the police have a working theory

Two separate videos have captured groups of men emerging from New York manholes. Not only has it caused quite a stir across Brooklyn, but it has also triggered an active investigation by the NYPD. According to NBC News, police are currently operating under the theory that these individuals were essentially conducting an urban scavenger hunt.

 A senior law enforcement official explained that the leading theory is that the group is “scouring the system for valuables that get into the sewage.” Authorities have also been quick to reassure the public that there is “no threat to the public.” To be certain, the NYPD ventured into the sewers themselves. 

As that official noted, “The NYPD, to make sure there was not a threat to the public, sent their highly trained Emergency Services Unit officers into the sewer system to make sure nothing nefarious had been left behind by the individuals — nothing was found. And the city Environmental Protection Department, which manages the system, also went in and apparently found no damage to the sewer system equipment.”

Footage shows that the sewer explorers were well-equipped

Per NBC, the first record of one of these groups happened in the early hours of May 30, 2026. At around 2:00 AM, a man in a white shirt and shorts lifted a manhole cover near McDonald and Bedford avenues in Gravesend to let seven men crawl out. They were wearing protective clothing, which they promptly shed on the sidewalk before piling into waiting vehicles. 

A second incident occurred in Williamsburg near Heyward Street and Bedford Avenue around 1:00 AM. In that footage, a man in a red shirt popped out from underneath the street, followed by six others, some of whom were carrying shovels and wearing headlamps.

While these incidents share some uncanny similarities, investigators haven’t yet linked the two. A police spokesperson confirmed that “There were no injuries reported. There are no arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing.”

The NY Post reports that this kind of urban scavenging for items like coins, jewelry, or scrap metal is actually a practice seen in other parts of the world. Still, the sight left locals feeling unsettled. Some neighbors expressed skepticism about the treasure-hunting explanation. 

Carol Ellen, who works at a local auto repair shop, told the NY Post, “I don’t believe the jewelry part of it. Jewelry down there? Something’s not right.” Given that both neighborhoods have significant Jewish populations, some residents voiced concerns about potential antisemitic sabotage or even attempts to tunnel into nearby businesses or banks.

Joey Saban, chief of staff for state Senator Sam Sutton, emphasized that “The community was very alarmed. This entire situation underscores how vulnerable the community feels.” The Department of Environmental Protection has also weighed in on the danger, stating that entering the sewer system is both illegal and extremely hazardous due to gases, unstable surfaces, and flooding risks.

According to the NY Post, the internet had fun with the footage. On X, one user joked, “Did any of them have…..turtle shells….on their backs?” while another quipped, “Just the Ghostbusters checking out the slime.” Despite the jokes, the reality is that the city is taking this seriously. 

The police investigation continues, and it should yield answers soon. Whether these men were truly looking for lost trinkets or if there’s a more complex motive will be resolved then. If it were the former, they might have been better off hitting a thrift store where people have stumbled across ancient banknotes and even a Roman coin.