Interesting, I take it he was a US citizen though.
I am just googling whether we can enter the US for a couple of hours.
He was, but it's not like he got to skirt around customs. I take it you're a UK citizen? I'm pretty sure any European citizen wouldn't be hassled too much.
If you get time, Times Square and/or Central Park are good for a little. Though you have to put up with tourists (lol!) Hopefully your layover is during daylight, or I'd avoid the park.