On Wednesday, two individuals reached the pinnacle of New York City’s Empire State Building, standing 1,454 feet above ground. Viral footage captured them holding a banner that read, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
Authorities confirmed it remains unclear how the pair ascended to the spire as police efforts continue to secure their safe descent from such a height. The individuals began descending at 12:35 p.m., reaching a platform by approximately 12:40 p.m., where one appeared to propose to the other.
Approximately ten minutes later, they continued their descent of the spire. It is unclear whether law enforcement had established contact with the pair during this time.
Terry Monahan, former NYPD chief and NBC News contributor, noted trespassers could face felony charges upon being taken into custody.
Initial observations from the scene revealed pedestrians milling about on the building’s observation deck below before it was cleared by authorities. An NYPD helicopter responded to the incident as the two individuals descended the tower.
During their descent, one man dropped to his knees and proposed to the woman. They embraced, she removed her mask, and they kissed.
