In an audacious and unexpected stunt that stunned onlookers in New York City on Wednesday, two individuals pulled off one of the most high-profile unsanctioned climbs in recent memory, ascending all the way to the peak of Manhattan’s iconic Empire State Building. Upon reaching the top of the 1,454-foot landmark, the pair immediately unfurled a massive cloth banner emblazoned with a pacifist message: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace”.
After posing together at the highest point of the building’s spire, the two climbers made their way down to a smaller observation platform just below the peak. It was there that witnesses and captured footage show one person dropping to one knee in a clear gesture of marriage proposal to the other. Following the proposal, the couple shared a kiss before continuing their controlled descent down the building’s exterior.
Authorities confirmed the pair remained at the top of the 102-story skyscraper for no less than 10 minutes before beginning their climb down. As of this report, the New York Police Department has declined to release any additional details about the incident, the identities of the two climbers, or any potential charges that may be filed, when reached for comment by the BBC. The incident has already sparked widespread discussion online about the audacity of the stunt, as well as questions about security protocols at one of New York City’s most visited tourist landmarks.