NEW YORK CITY (WPIX) – In what is possibly a publicity stunt or a daring proposal, two people were spotted atop the spire of the Empire State Building in Manhattan on Wednesday, flying a flag and potentially getting engaged. The pair has since been taken into custody, according to authorities.
Initially, the two people, dressed in black and wearing masks, were seen at the top of the building’s antenna. While apparently untethered, they unfurled a banner reading: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
Nexstar’s WPIX captured footage of that flag:
At least two people were seen hanging a flag from the top of the Empire State Building in Manhattan on Wednesday. (WPIX)
Video from WPIX also appeared to show the pair getting engaged as they navigated down the latticework to a ledge. The two, who had been embracing and taking selfies, kissed again and hugged before taking more photos and resuming their descent.
But it’s unclear whether the proposal was real, or part of a staged stunt.
A video posted to the Instagram page of user Angela Nikolau claimed it was she who was atop the Empire State Building at the time the duo was spotted. The video was published to her Instagram Stories shortly before the two unidentified people were seen.
Nikalou is a Russian “rooftopper” who frequently climbs tall buildings and skyscrapers with fellow Russian climber Vanya Beerkus. The two have documented similar stunts at buildings in Europe and Asia.
Visitors to their Instagram pages are already congratulating the two on the apparent engagement.
Nikalou and Beerkus were also the subject of a 2024 film, “Skywalkers: A Love Story.” The film debuted on Netflix in 2024, where it is still available for streaming.
“Way to promote your movie,” an Instagram user wrote in the comments of a post previously published to Beerkus’ account.
Authorities appeared to be climbing the antenna as the pair came down. Charges are pending against the individuals, though authorities didn’t provide any additional details to WPIX.
Police and firefighters had no immediate information, though the police department told New Yorkers to expect road closures and emergency activity around the building. There was no immediate reply to a message to the building’s management.
However, a post to the building’s X account reminded followers that its “Observation Deck, atop the World’s Most Famous Building in the center of New York City, does offer a practical way for the most memorable marriage proposals.” Packages start at $1,000, per its website.
Daredevils have previously climbed the antenna and other parts of the Empire State Building. Those ascents have largely been unauthorized, but actor and musician Jared Leto was allowed to climb up to the base of the antenna from the 86th floor in 2023 to promote a tour.
The Empire State Building extends 1,454 feet above midtown Manhattan, while the antenna rises well above the public areas of the building.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
