Two people taken into custody after scaling New York City skyscraper, NYPD says
Published July 1, 2026 12:29pm EDT Updated
Masked protesters scale Empire State Building spire
Two masked individuals dressed in all black climbed the spire of the Empire State Building in New York City.
Two masked people climbed on top of the Empire State Building at noon Wednesday holding a banner reading “when the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
Following a response by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) Emergency Services Unit, the pair appeared to take down the banner and climb down from the antenna to a lower platform.
One of the people then appeared to pull an engagement ring out of a backpack, get down on one knee and propose.
The couple were later taken into custody and charges are pending, NYPD officials told Fox News Digital.
No injuries were reported. It remains unclear how the people were able to scale the building.
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A person proposing on the Empire State Building spire. (WNYW)
Roughly 40 police officers remain in front of the building. Others are directing traffic around the building.
The entrance on Fifth Ave., between West 33rd and 34th streets, is blocked off.
Pedestrians were seen gathering on every corner surrounding the building watching the situation unfold.
Two people were spotted holding a banner on top of the Empire State Building in New York City on July 1, 2026. (WNYW)
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Counting the spire and antenna, the skyscraper stands 1,454 feet tall.
It is currently the fourth-tallest building in New York City, the sixth-tallest in the U.S. and the 43rd tallest tower in the world.
The suspects were holding a banner reading, “when the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” (WNYW)
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has yet to publicly respond to the public stunt.
Mamdani’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
