Couple arrested after scaling Empire State Building and displaying peace banner
A man and a woman climbed the Empire State Building's spire, unfurled a peace banner and were later taken into police custody, authorities said.
Police detained a man and a woman on Wednesday after they reached the 1,500-foot spire of New York’s Empire State Building and displayed a banner reading, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
The pair, dressed in dark clothing and masks, knelt and appeared to propose before embracing and kissing as a news helicopter hovered nearby. They later descended to street level, where NYPD officers took them into custody. No injuries were reported, and charges are pending, according to NYPD spokesperson Delaney Kempner.
The Empire State Building’s management said the incident was resolved through coordination with the police and emphasized that there was no danger to tenants, visitors or observation-deck guests. The spokesperson also noted that the observation deck provides a venue for memorable marriage proposals.
Cellphone videos captured onlookers’ reactions, and air-traffic control audio included comments about the commotion. The event occurred amid a citywide heat wave and increased tourism linked to World Cup matches and the upcoming July 4 holiday weekend.
