Lovers arrested after climbing to top of Empire State Building for proposal

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Two people were arrested on Wednesday after climbing to the top of the antenna of the Empire State Building in New York, where they unfurled a banner carrying a message about love and peace before descending the structure.

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The pair, dressed in black and wearing masks, appeared to have climbed onto a narrow ledge near the top of the iconic skyscraper’s antenna, which stands 1,454 feet (443 metres) above midtown Manhattan. News helicopter footage showed the two embracing, appearing to kiss and posing for photographs.

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They also displayed a banner bearing the message: “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” The banner fluttered in the wind as the two remained perched on the antenna.

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At about 12:30 p.m., the pair began climbing down the metal lattice of the antenna to a wider platform. During the descent, one of them appeared to set up a piece of electronic equipment before getting down on one knee.

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After embracing and kissing again, the other individual took several selfies with an outstretched left hand, seemingly showing off what appeared to be a ring.

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Police officers took both individuals into custody shortly after 1 p.m. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were recorded during the incident.

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Officials have not disclosed how the pair managed to gain access to the antenna, which is located well above the public observation areas of the 102-storey landmark.

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Management of the Empire State Building did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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The latest incident is not the first involving climbers scaling parts of the famous skyscraper.

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While previous ascents have generally been unauthorised, actor and musician Jared Leto was granted permission in 2023 to climb from the building’s 86th floor to the base of the antenna as part of the promotion for a concert tour.

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