Duo Scales Empire State Building Antenna in Daring Stunt

Two individuals climbed the Empire State Building antenna on Wednesday, unfurling a banner about ‘the power of love.’ They then began descending, taking selfies, embracing, and ultimately faced arrest. News helicopter footage captured them dressed in black, wearing masks, and apparently without tethers. They balanced on a narrow ledge and seemed to kiss atop the skyscraper’s antenna, which stands 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan.

The banner, which read ‘when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace,’ fluttered in the wind. Around 12:30 p.m., they started to climb down. They navigated the lattice structure to a wider ledge, where one individual appeared to set up electronic equipment and got down on one knee. They kissed and hugged again while the other person took selfies, appearing to inspect a ring.

Onlookers at the Art Deco office tower watched the spectacle. Jonathan Roman, a tourist from Glasgow, with his 15-year-old son, was surprised by the unexpected scene. Their plans to visit an observation platform were disrupted due to the antenna activity. Roman remarked that the incident was ‘probably more exciting than going up to the viewing platform for the second time.’

Office workers were puzzled as to how the pair accessed the antenna. They noted the building’s security measures for visitors, which include screening and prohibitions on large packages, sports equipment, costumes, and masks. Jessica Kaplan, an employee in the building, expressed disbelief at their breach of security.

Police took the climbers into custody shortly after 1 p.m., though their identities have not been released. The incident resulted in no injuries. It remains unclear how the duo reached the antenna, which is situated above the public areas of the 102-story building. Messages sent to the building’s management went unanswered.

This isn’t the first time daredevils have ascended the Empire State Building’s antenna. Previous climbs were unapproved with the exception of Jared Leto’s authorized ascent in 2023 to promote a tour.