Masked couple scale Empire State Building for wedding proposal as pair taken into custody

Two masked people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City, hanging a peace flag from the nearly 1,500ft skyscraper before the man reportedly proposed to his partner

Two flag-wielding individuals have scaled the Empire State Building in New York City to broadcast a message of peace and unity ahead of the July 4th weekend and the blistering heat.

The intruders on the iconic New York skyscraper were at the pinnacle of the building as of midday on Wednesday. It remains unclear when they managed to climb beyond the usual viewing points.

Accompanied by a flag emblazoned with the words “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace,” the two unidentified individuals were seen dangling from the top of the nearly 1,500-foot building. It’s uncertain what cause the pair were championing, or whether they were associated with any particular group.

It was reported that the NYPD had arrived at the scene. As of 12:40pm, the duo were making their descent from the building, reports the Mirror US.

The man later proposed to the woman after setting up what seemed to be a camera on a platform from the 200-ft spire. Social media reactions were split over how to perceive the pair’s actions.

“A powerful message displayed at one of the world’s most iconic landmarks,” one individual commented. “A reminder that many people continue to call for peace and unity across the world,” they added.

Another person declared the climb to be “inspiring”. “What a daring climb to share that timeless message of love over power. Truly inspiring stuff,” they enthused.

“Absolute legends. That flag message hits different from the top of the Empire State,” observed a third. Other people appeared less impressed with the stunt and called for their arrest.

“I don’t really get the point of the ski masks. It’s not like they’re not going to be arrested and have their mugshots taken afterward,” one person fumed. Another individual reckoned that both climbers deserved a year behind bars for their antics.

“Maybe a year in prison for them as convicted felons would work to prove to them that actions have consequences, and not always the ones that were thought about,” they declared. “Why would anyone risk their lives like this. Could it be the case that they have two lives,” a third pondered.

“Due to police activity, expect street closures near 5th Avenue and 34th Street in Manhattan,” the NYPD announced in a statement. This follows shortly after Mayor Mamdani and the NYPD revealed security arrangements for the 4th of July and Sail 250.

It was confirmed around 1pm that the newly-engaged couple was in custody.

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