A daring stunt atop one of the world’s most recognizable skyscrapers turned into what appeared to be a once-in-a-lifetime marriage proposal on Wednesday, when two people scaled the very pinnacle of New York City’s Empire State Building.
The duo made their way to the top of the building’s towering antenna spire, positioning themselves near the glowing red light that sits roughly 1,454 feet — or 443 metres — above the sidewalks of midtown Manhattan. Both were dressed in sleeveless black clothing as they clung to the landmark structure.
From that dizzying height, the pair held out a large black banner bearing a message printed in bold white capital letters: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” The banner flapped in the wind as onlookers and cameras below captured the moment.
It was not immediately known who the two individuals were, or when and how they managed to reach that point on the spire. Shortly after 12:30 p.m., the pair began making their way down to a slightly lower platform within the antenna structure.
Once there, the scene took a romantic turn. Aerial footage captured by a local news network showed one person get down on one knee before the two embraced and appeared to share a kiss — strongly suggesting the entire event had been an elaborate proposal.
When reached for comment, a spokesperson for the New York Police Department said the situation was “still developing” and that the department had “nothing to add.”
