Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building’s spire on Wednesday, above the public observation deck, and unfurled a large black banner with the message: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” The apparent marriage proposal stunt unfolded around midday, drawing the attention of the New York Police Department (NYPD), which deployed a drone and a helicopter to monitor the scene.
Details of the Stunt
The pair, both wearing black clothing and appearing masked, ascended the 1,454-foot (443-meter) skyscraper in midtown Manhattan. It remains unclear how they reached the final stages of the structure. After displaying the banner, they descended to a lower platform holding the antenna, where one person knelt in what appeared to be a proposal from a man to a woman. The two then hugged and kissed.
NYPD Response
The NYPD stated the situation was “still developing” and had “nothing to add” at the time. Local media reported an NYPD drone and helicopter near the scene. The building’s management has not commented on how the individuals bypassed security.
Reuters contributed reporting.
