2 people climb to the top of Empire State Building spire, unfurl banner
Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building on Wednesday afternoon and unfurled a banner atop its tower.
Unidentified people were seen wearing masks.
WABC – PHOTO: Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus unfurl a banner atop the Empire State Building in New York City on July 1, 2026.
The black banner appeared to reference a quote by Jimi Hendrix and read in white letters: “When the power of love conquers the love of power, the world knows peace.”
An NYPD helicopter has been dispatched to the scene and remains on standby. With the arrival of the police, the building’s observation deck was cleared of visitors.
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The building’s tower is 1,454 feet above the ground.
WABC – PHOTO: Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, who climbed to the top of the Empire State Building, appear to propose after descending from the tower’s spire on July 1, 2026 in New York City.
The two climbers eventually took the standard and moved towards the bottom of the tower.
WABC – PHOTO: Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, who climbed to the top of the Empire State Building, embrace after what appears to be a proposal after descending from the tower’s spire on July 1, 2026 in New York City.
When they arrived, one climber appeared to propose to another, and then they hugged each other and posed for photos.
WABC – PHOTO: Angela Nikolau, who climbs to the top of the Empire State Building with her partner Ivan Beerkus, takes a photo of her hand after what appears to be a proposal after descending from the tower’s spire on July 1, 2026 in New York City.
The two are currently in police custody.
This is an evolving story. Please check back for updates.
