Empire State Building Antenna Climbing Incident

Two individuals successfully climbed to the top of the Empire State Building’s antenna and displayed a banner centered on “the power of love” around midday on Wednesday. They then began their descent, shared an embrace, took selfies, and were ultimately apprehended by police.

The climbers were dressed in black and wore masks. They were seemingly untethered while they balanced precariously on a narrow ledge, news helicopter footage revealed. The antenna atop the New York skyscraper stands 1,454 feet (443 meters) above midtown Manhattan. The banner they unfurled read, “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace,” fluttering in the wind.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m., the duo initiated their climb down. They navigated carefully along the metal latticework to a broader ledge. On that ledge, one set up an electronic device and appeared to propose by kneeling. Following another kiss and hug, the other individual snapped selfies while extending a hand, as if admiring a ring. The scene captured the attention of onlookers watching from nearby sidewalks of the Art Deco office structure.

“It’s crazy — it’s like being in the movies,” remarked Jonathan Roman, a tourist visiting from Glasgow, Scotland. Roman and his 15-year-old son had planned to visit an observation deck but found entry to the building restricted due to the climbers’ actions. Roman admitted the spectacle was “probably more exciting than going up to the viewing platform for the second time.”

Staff working in the building were puzzled by how the pair accessed the antenna, considering visitors undergo screening and are prohibited from bringing large packages, sporting gear, costumes, or masks. “I just can’t believe they made it through security,” commented Jessica Kaplan, an employee with offices in the building.

Police detained the climbers shortly after 1 p.m. Their identities have not been disclosed. There were no injuries reported in connection with the incident. The exact method used by the pair to access the high-rise antenna, far above the public sections of the 102-story building, is still unclear. There is no response yet from the building’s management.

The Empire State Building has witnessed other climbing incidents, mostly unauthorized. Notably, in 2023, actor and musician Jared Leto received permission to climb from the 86th floor to the base of the antenna to promote a tour.