Two arrested after climbing Empire State Building antenna for marriage proposal

Two individuals were apprehended after scaling the Empire State Building’s antenna as part of a dramatic marriage proposal, according to reports from French media outlet France 24. The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 29, 2026, when the two climbers ascended the iconic structure’s antenna, which stands approximately 1,454 feet above midtown Manhattan. Dressed in black and wearing masks—though without safety harnesses—the pair balanced on a narrow ledge, unfurling a banner that read, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” The message, seemingly symbolic of their union, was displayed prominently against the skyline before the couple descended.

The climbers spent some time on the antenna, engaging in what appeared to be a romantic moment. Video footage captured the couple kissing, then proceeding to take photographs. One of the individuals knelt on one knee, while the other raised their left hand as if inspecting a ring. The scene drew attention from nearby pedestrians, many of whom described the event as surreal and reminiscent of a film set. Jonathan Roman, a tourist from Glasgow, noted the unusual nature of the situation, remarking that the experience was “crazy—like being in the movies.”

As the couple began their descent, law enforcement officials responded. Officers from the Police Emergency Services Unit ascended the structure via a ladder, eventually reaching the couple on a landing within the antenna. The officers approached the climbers, who were descending a ladder, and the pair calmly conversed with the police. Despite the dramatic setting, no injuries were reported, and both individuals were taken into custody shortly after 1 p.m. Their identities remain undisclosed at this time.

The incident has sparked curiosity regarding how the couple bypassed security measures. The Empire State Building, a popular tourist destination, requires visitors to undergo screening, prohibiting items such as large packages, sports equipment, costumes, and masks. Jessica Kaplan, an office worker affiliated with the building, expressed disbelief at how the pair managed to access the antenna, which lies far above the public areas of the 102-story structure. Management representatives confirmed that the ascent was unauthorized and emphasized that it did not pose a risk to anyone inside the building. However, they declined to comment on the specifics of how the climbers accessed the area or whether they interacted with security personnel.

This is not the first instance of unauthorized climbs on the Empire State Building. Daredevils have occasionally attempted similar feats, though most have been intercepted by authorities. In 2023, actor and musician Jared Leto was granted permission to climb to the base of the antenna from the 86th floor as part of a promotional campaign for his tour. This contrast highlights the varying degrees of authorization and oversight surrounding such activities.

Meanwhile, another incident involving law enforcement took place in Rosny-sous-Bois, Seine-Saint-Denis, on the same day. A police officer was seriously injured after attempting to prevent a vehicle from fleeing during a traffic stop. The officer, who was part of a team conducting a routine check, found himself dragged several meters by the driver, who was described as “very nervous.” The officer sustained significant injuries and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The driver and passengers fled the scene and have yet to be identified or detained. The prefect of police, Patrice Faure, stated that all investigative resources would be deployed to locate and apprehend the suspect, emphasizing the gravity of the incident.

These two separate events underscore the unpredictable nature of human behavior and the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing both celebratory acts and potential criminal actions. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the motivations behind these incidents and ensuring public safety in high-profile locations.