Two people were taken into police custody Wednesday after climbing the antenna of the Empire State Building, displaying a banner promoting peace and appearing to celebrate their engagement before officers escorted them safely back to the building.
The climbers reached the upper section of the landmark skyscraper shortly before midday, where they stood on a narrow section of the antenna and unfurled a large banner bearing the message: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
Television helicopter footage showed both individuals dressed in black clothing with face coverings while standing hundreds of feet above Manhattan without any visible safety equipment. The pair embraced and appeared to kiss before removing the banner and beginning their descent.
After climbing to a wider platform below the antenna, one of the climbers appeared to kneel while another person recorded the moment using photographic equipment. The pair embraced again before one individual held out a left hand in what appeared to reveal an engagement ring.
New York Police Department Emergency Service Unit officers climbed the antenna shortly afterward and intercepted the couple.
Police body camera footage released after the incident captured an officer greeting the climbers and informing them they were not permitted on the structure. An off camera voice responded, “We are engaged,” before both individuals calmly descended the remaining distance with officers.
Police arrested the pair shortly after 1 p.m. No injuries were reported.
Authorities have not explained how the climbers gained access to the restricted antenna area above the Empire State Building’s public observation decks.
Building management described the incident as unauthorized and said the activity did not place visitors or employees inside the building in danger.
What We Know So Far
The Associated Press said the two climbers reached the antenna around midday before displaying the peace banner from the 1,454 foot structure overlooking Midtown Manhattan.
The building was temporarily secured while police responded to the incident, preventing some visitors from accessing observation areas.
Tourist Jonathan Roman, who was visiting New York from Glasgow with his son, said they arrived for a scheduled visit only to discover public access had been temporarily suspended because of the police operation.
Roman described the unfolding scene as resembling “something from the movies,” adding that watching the rescue became an unexpected attraction.
Office workers inside the building also questioned how the climbers managed to bypass security at one of New York City’s most closely monitored landmarks.
Jessica Kaplan, who works in the building, said she was surprised anyone carrying masks and equipment could have entered without attracting attention.
Building management has not disclosed how the pair reached the antenna or whether they encountered security personnel before beginning the climb.
What Authorities Are Saying
The Empire State Building issued a statement describing the climb as unauthorized while emphasizing that the incident never threatened public safety inside the building.
Police have not released the identities of those arrested or announced whether criminal charges will follow.
Additional Details Emerge
The Independent identified the climbers as Angela Nikolau, 33, and Vanya Beerkus, 32, both internationally recognized rooftop climbers featured in the Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story.
The publication said the stunt concluded with a marriage proposal, which the couple later confirmed through a joint Instagram post featuring photographs of the proposal and engagement ring overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
Before police detained them, Nikolau also shared videos from the top of the Empire State Building on her Instagram account, including footage filmed from the antenna and videos captured by spectators on the street below.
The pair are widely known within the urban climbing community for scaling skyscrapers, cranes and other tall structures without safety equipment while documenting their climbs for social media audiences.
According to The Independent, Beerkus previously climbed internationally recognized landmarks including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and Shanghai Tower in China before partnering with Nikolau. Together, they attracted worldwide attention after scaling the Goldin Finance 117 skyscraper in Tianjin, China, in 2016.
Why This Matters
The incident highlights the continuing challenge faced by operators of internationally recognized landmarks in preventing unauthorized access to highly restricted areas.
While no injuries occurred, the climb raises fresh questions about security procedures at one of the world’s most visited buildings, particularly given the apparent ability of the climbers to carry equipment to the upper levels before reaching the antenna.
The event also reflects the growing popularity of rooftop climbing, an activity that has gained global attention through social media platforms where participants seek increasingly dangerous locations to create dramatic photographs and videos. Safety experts have repeatedly warned that such stunts carry an extreme risk of fatal falls and can place emergency responders in hazardous situations during rescue operations.
The Empire State Building has experienced similar incidents over the years. Although most climbs have been unauthorized, actor and musician Jared Leto was granted official permission in 2023 to climb to the base of the antenna as part of a promotional event.
What Happens Next
Police are expected to determine whether the climbers will face criminal charges related to trespassing or other offenses.
Building officials may also review security procedures as investigators examine how the pair gained access to one of the most restricted sections of the landmark.
The incident is likely to renew discussion about balancing public access to iconic buildings with the increasing number of social media driven climbing stunts taking place around the world.
Sources: The Associated Press; The Independent
