2 people climb to top of NYC's Empire State Building, appear to get engaged

Key Points:

• Two individuals, a man and a woman wearing masks, climbed to the top of the Empire State Building's transmission tower in New York City on Wednesday around noon, displaying a banner that read, "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace."
• The pair appeared to be posting to social media while at the top, and after initially descending, the man proposed to the woman on a lower platform, leading to an embrace and kiss once she removed her mask.
• The NYPD responded with an observation deck clearance, street closures, and a helicopter, with potential charges including trespassing and reckless endangerment due to the dangers posed by climbing the live transmission tower without safety harnesses.
• Experts highlighted the significant risks involved, including exposure to electrical energy and the strenuous nature of the climb, noting that such activities require specialized training and equipment.
• This incident follows previous climbs of the tower, such as actor Jared Leto's authorized ascent in 2023, and the Empire State Building remains one of the tallest buildings in the U.S. at 1,454 feet including the transmission tower.