The self-described "Spider Man" who was the first of two people to scale the New York Times building last Thursday defended his actions after a Manhattan court appearance today.

French environmental activist and stuntman Alain Robert's case will be handed over to a grand jury. Robert hopes to testify in front of the panel in November.

He's facing criminal trespassing, disorderly conduct, and graffiti charges following his 52-story climb to bring attention to global warming. But Robert says he took precautions to protect onlookers.

"Last week I didn't put anybody at danger because I did check the building the night before to see what I was going to be scaling, also because I am a professional climber, also because I was climbing above the street instead of the avenue, I did try to avoid rush hour," said Robert.

Robert's stunt was replicated just hours later by another man, Brooklyn resident Renaldo Clarke. Clarke, who hoped to call attention to malaria and is now facing similar charges.

Following the incidents, the New York Times increased security around the building, and added barricades and other wooden boards to prevent climbers.