Two people climbed the Empire State Building antenna and unfurled a banner about the "power of love"; after descending, they were arrested

At noon on Wednesday, two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building's antenna and unfurled a banner about "the power of love" before beginning to descend, hugging, taking selfies, and eventually being arrested, reports UNN with reference to AP.

Details

Dressed in black and wearing masks — but apparently without attached ropes — they balanced on a narrow ledge and appeared to kiss at the top of the antenna of the New York skyscraper, which rises 443 meters above midtown Manhattan, as video from a news helicopter showed. A banner reading "when the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace" fluttered in the wind.

Just after 12:30 p.m., they began to descend, effectively making their way along the metal lattice to a wider ledge, where one appeared to set up an electronic device and knelt on one knee. After they kissed and hugged again, the other person took a selfie with an outstretched left hand, as if examining a ring.

Onlookers watched from the sidewalks near the Art Deco office tower.

"This is crazy — like a movie," said Jonathan Roman, a tourist from the Scottish city of Glasgow. He and his 15-year-old son had tickets to one of the observation decks, but upon arriving, they found the building locked down due to the antenna activity.

Nevertheless, the spectacle was "probably more interesting than a second trip to the observation deck," Roman mused.

Office workers wondered how the couple managed to reach the antenna of the high-security building, where visitors are screened and advised not to bring large bags, sports equipment, costumes, or masks, among other items.

"I just can't believe they got through security," said Jessica Kaplan, who works for a company with offices in the building.

Police detained the two climbers after 1:00 p.m.; their names were not immediately released. No one was injured, police said.

It is unclear how the couple gained access to the antenna, which towers high above the public areas of the 102-story building.

Addendum

Daredevils have previously climbed the antenna and other parts of the Empire State Building. These climbs have mostly been unauthorized, but actor and musician Jared Leto was allowed to climb to the base of the antenna from the 86th floor in 2023 for an advertisement.