Couple arrested after climbing Empire State building for romantic proposal

Two individuals were arrested on Wednesday after scaling the antenna of the Empire State Building and displaying a banner carrying a message promoting love and peace before descending from the structure.

The pair, dressed in black clothing and wearing face masks, reportedly climbed onto a narrow section close to the top of the skyscraper’s antenna, which rises about 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan.

Aerial footage captured by news helicopters showed the duo embracing, apparently kissing and posing for photographs while perched on the towering structure.

The pair also unfurled a banner bearing the inscription: “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”

The message fluttered in the wind as the individuals remained positioned on the antenna for several minutes.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., the duo began climbing down through the metal framework of the antenna toward a wider platform below.

During the descent, one of the individuals appeared to set up an electronic device before briefly kneeling on the platform.

The two later embraced and kissed again, while the other individual took several selfies and appeared to display what looked like a ring on the left hand.

Officers later took both individuals into custody shortly after 1 p.m.

Authorities confirmed that no injuries were recorded during the incident.

Officials have yet to explain how the pair gained access to the antenna area, which is situated far above the public observation decks of the 102-storey skyscraper.

Management of the Empire State Building did not immediately issue a statement regarding the incident.

The episode adds to previous climbing incidents involving the landmark building, although most past attempts were carried out without authorisation.

In 2023, however, Jared Leto was officially permitted to climb from the building’s 86th floor to the base of the antenna as part of publicity activities for a concert tour.