Nik Wallenda’s planned highwire walk about 600 feet above the Chicago River may have hit a snag before it gets off the ground.
Illinois’ Aerial Exhibitors Safety Act requires a safety net “or other safety device of similar purpose and construction” for a public performance at 20 feet or higher on trapezes, tightrope, wire, rings, ropes, poles or ‘other aerial apparatus.”
Violation is a class A misdemeanor.
Wallenda, who announced on Tuesday that he plans to walk a wire on Nov. 2 between the two Marina City towers and from the west tower to the Leo Burnett Building, noted that he will make the walk without a net and untethered.
Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, which is coordinating the city’s role in the event, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has expressed enthusiastic support for the event, which will be televised live by the Discovery Channel.