Two people climbed to the pinnacle of the Empire State Building on Wednesday, above the level where the general public is permitted, in what appeared to be an elaborate marriage proposal stunt. The pair unfurled a large black banner at the top of the iconic skyscraper with the message: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
Details of the climb and banner display
The two individuals, both wearing black clothing and appearing to be masked, made their way to the top of the 1,454-foot (443-meter) tower in midtown Manhattan. It remains unclear how they ascended the final stages of the building. Local media reported a New York Police Department (NYPD) drone in the air, along with an NYPD helicopter monitoring the scene.
Shortly after 12:30 pm, the two climbed down to a slightly lower platform on the structure that holds the antenna. One person then got down on one knee, and after what appeared to be a proposal from a man to a woman, the two hugged and kissed.
Police response and ongoing investigation
The NYPD stated that the situation was “still developing” and had “nothing to add” at the time. The stunt raised questions about security at the landmark, which is a major tourist attraction. The Empire State Building has not yet commented on the incident.
Reuters contributed reporting.
