Couple climbs Empire State Building antenna, displays peace banner and is arrested

Two individuals climbed the antenna of New York’s Empire State Building on Saturday evening, unfurling a large peace banner from the structure’s summit before being taken into custody by city police. The ascent, which began shortly after 7 p.m., was captured on social‑media videos that showed the climbers reaching the 1,454‑foot height and displaying the banner that read “Peace Now.”

During the brief moment at the top, one of the climbers knelt and appeared to propose to the other, a gesture that was also recorded and widely shared online. The pair remained on the antenna for approximately ten minutes before law‑enforcement officers arrived, secured the area, and escorted them down the building’s exterior. Both individuals were arrested on charges of trespassing, reckless endangerment and violating city ordinances that prohibit unauthorized access to the building’s rooftop and antenna.

The incident follows a series of high‑profile stunts involving the Empire State Building, prompting the city to review security protocols for the landmark. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported and that the building’s operations were not disrupted. The arrested climbers are expected to appear in court later this week.