Two masked individuals climbed to the top of the Empire State Building’s antenna in New York City on Wednesday, where they displayed a banner promoting peace before making their way back down and eventually being arrested.
Dressed entirely in black and appearing to climb without visible safety harnesses, the pair stood on a narrow ledge near the summit of the antenna, approximately 443 meters (1,454 feet) above Manhattan.
News footage shot from a helicopter then showed them embracing and appearing to kiss after unfurling a banner reading: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
Shortly after 12:30 p.m., the climbers began descending the metal framework of the antenna to a wider platform. There, the man appeared to set up a piece of electronic equipment before kneeling in front of the other, after which the pair kissed and hugged again.
The woman then took several selfies while holding out a left hand, suggesting she was admiring a ring.
The Reuters news agency reported that the apparent couple was from Russia.
What have New York police said about the incident?
Police detained both climbers shortly after 1 p.m. following their descent from the skyscraper.
Authorities said no injuries were reported, though the identities of those arrested were not immediately released.
Officials have not explained how the pair accessed the antenna, which is located well above the building’s public observation areas.
“Two individuals were taken into custody without incident. There are no injuries reported. Charges are pending, and the investigation is still ongoing,” a New York police spokesman told the French AFP news agency.
The Empire State Building was designed in the Art Deco style in the early 1930s and remained the tallest building in the world until the 1960s.
Tourists who wish to enjoy the view of New York from its main deck on the 86th floor must buy tickets for $44 (roughly €38.6) or can pay an extra $35 to access an enclosed observation deck on its 102nd floor.
Like several other New York landmarks, the building has had heightened security since the 9/11 attacks.
Edited by: Rana Taha
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