Two arrested after unfurling 'power of love' banner on Empire State Building antenna

On Wednesday, July 1, two individuals climbed the antenna of the Empire State Building in New York and unfurled a banner reading "when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace." Dressed in black and wearing masks, they balanced on a narrow ledge and appeared to kiss atop the 443-meter antenna, as shown in news helicopter footage. Shortly after 12:30 p.m., they began climbing down, skillfully navigating the metal lattice. Once on a wider ledge, one person knelt and seemed to set up an electronic device, while the other took selfies with an outstretched left hand, as if examining a ring. Police took the two into custody after 1 p.m.; their names were not immediately released. No injuries were reported. Onlookers watched from the sidewalks. "It's crazy, it's like being in the movies," said Jonathan Roman, a tourist from Glasgow, who had tickets to an observation platform but found the building blocked off. He noted the spectacle was "probably more exciting than going up to the viewing platform for the second time." Office workers wondered how the pair bypassed security. "I just can't believe they made it through security," said Jessica Kaplan, who works in the building. Building management called the incident "unauthorised" and said it posed no danger. However, they did not immediately explain how the climbers gained access or whether they interacted with security. Previous daredevil climbs on the Empire State Building have occurred, including a permitted ascent by actor Jared Leto in 2023.