Daring Ascenders Arrested atop Empire State Building Antenna

On Wednesday, two individuals climbed to the top of the Empire State Building’s antenna. They unfurled a banner with a message about love. The banner, reading ‘When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace,’ fluttered in the wind.

Video footage captured by a news helicopter showed the pair dressed in black and wearing masks standing on a narrow ledge. The antenna stands 1,454 feet above midtown Manhattan. They appeared to embrace and take selfies during this daring act.

By 12:30 p.m., the climbers began their descent. They navigated the lattice of metal to reach a wider ledge. One of them seemed to set up electronic equipment and got down on one knee. Following another kiss and embrace, the partner took selfies, extending a left hand as if examining a ring.

Onlookers on the sidewalks were stunned by the spectacle. Jonathan Roman, a tourist from Glasgow, expressed his amazement, saying, ‘It’s crazy — it’s like being in the movies.’ He and his son had planned to visit the observation platforms but found access blocked due to the climbers’ activity.

Office workers speculated on how the duo managed to reach the antenna. Empire State Building visitors undergo screening and are prohibited from bringing certain items, including masks. Jessica Kaplan, who works in the building, remarked, ‘I just can’t believe they made it through security.’

After 1 p.m., police arrested the climbers. Their names have not been released, and authorities reported no injuries. The climbers’ method of accessing the antenna, a restricted area above the building’s public sections, remains unclear. Though the building management has not yet responded to inquiries, similar unauthorized ascents have occurred in the past.

In a notable exception, actor and musician Jared Leto was authorized to climb to the base of the antenna from the 86th floor in 2023 to promote a tour.