Sky News anchor Mark Austin was forced to halt regular programming on Wednesday evening to deliver a bombshell breaking update from New York City. Two protesters had climbed to the top of the Empire State Building's antenna, carrying a banner that read: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
Austin told viewers: “Some breaking news from New York, and we can show you some pictures of a couple of protesters who have got to the top of the antennae on the top of the Empire State Building in New York. They have unfurled a banner. What are they protesting about? Well, it is something about the power of love… and why not?”
Elaborate Engagement Stunt Unfolds Live on Air
Fox News also interrupted its usual coverage to provide a live helicopter feed of the couple. As cameras zoomed in, one of the protesters got down on one knee at the base of the antenna and proposed to their partner, turning the protest into an elaborate engagement stunt.
Viewers on both channels were stunned by the development. One wrote on X: “The absolute anxiety of pulling out a ring 1,450 feet in the air. If she said no on top of that Empire State Building spire, it’s a terrifyingly long walk down.” Another commented: “They climbed the Empire State just to prove love beats the laws of physics? Bro, if your love needs a 1,454-foot antenna to be noticed, maybe just text her.” A third viewer simply said: “Awesome, congratulations!”
Identity of Climbers Under Speculation
New York police have not yet confirmed the identities of the pair, but speculation points to Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, Russian “rooftoppers” known for their elaborate skyscraper stunts. The couple gained fame from the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story.
