Several outlets report that two masked people scale the Empire State Building in New York City on Wednesday afternoon. Witnesses see the pair climb to the top or highest point of the building’s spire and unfurl a large banner with a pro-peace message. CBS News says the banner reads: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world will know peace.” NBC News reports the pair appears to start making out. Mediaite and CBS News also describe the situation as appearing like an engagement, though details are based on observers’ accounts rather than official confirmation.
Multiple sources including The Hill and local reporting cited by it say the individuals are taken into police custody after climbing. The Hill adds that their charges are not immediately clear. BBC reports the two remain at the top for at least ten minutes before climbing down. Fox News and other outlets characterize the incident as an apparent protest. CBS News further notes that law enforcement experts discuss potential charges, but the specific legal outcomes are not stated in the provided summaries.
