NEW YORK — A couple made headlines Wednesday after scaling the antenna of the Empire State Building, where they unfurled a banner proclaiming the strength of love, in what appeared to be a unique marriage proposal. The incident concluded with their arrest by police.
The climbers, dressed in black and wearing masks, were seen balancing on a narrow ledge of the iconic skyscraper, which stands at 1,454 feet. Video footage from news helicopters captured the moment they kissed atop the antenna, while a banner reading, "when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace," waved in the wind.
After spending some time at the pinnacle, the couple began their descent. They navigated the complex latticework of the structure, during which one individual appeared to set up a camera and got down on one knee, suggesting a proposal. The other person later took selfies, seemingly showcasing an engagement ring.
Officers from the Police Emergency Services Unit were dispatched to the scene and began ascending a ladder to intercept the couple. Body camera footage revealed an officer greeting them and stating that they could not be on the antenna.
In response, one of the climbers reportedly declared, "We are engaged." Shortly thereafter, the police reached the couple as they descended a ladder and took them into custody without incident. Their identities have not yet been disclosed, but authorities confirmed that no injuries occurred during the event.
Onlookers gathered below, with many expressing astonishment at the daring stunt. Jonathan Roman, a tourist from Glasgow, remarked on the spectacle, noting it was perhaps more thrilling than visiting the observation deck.
Questions arose about how the couple managed to access the antenna, given the building's stringent security measures that prohibit large packages and certain items. Jessica Kaplan, an office worker in the building, expressed disbelief that they could bypass security protocols.
The Empire State Building's management issued a statement labeling the incident as unauthorized while assuring that it posed no danger to anyone inside the building. The management has not clarified how the climbers accessed the antenna or if they interacted with security personnel.
While unauthorized climbs of the Empire State Building are not unprecedented, they typically attract significant attention. In 2023, actor Jared Leto was granted permission to ascend to the base of the antenna for promotional purposes.
Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).
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