In New York, a couple climbed a skyscraper's transmission tower for an engagement
In New York, two people climbed to the very top of the Empire State Building skyscraper, where a radio and television transmission tower is located. During their dangerous ascent, they unfurled a banner with the inscription: "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, there will be peace in the world." After this, the man proposed to his companion, CBS News reports .
Photo: CBS News New York
The incident occurred around noon. Witnesses said they initially suspected nothing unusual, believing the young people had permission to be on the tower. However, the observation deck was later evacuated, and police officers, including special units and a police helicopter, arrived at the scene.
According to preliminary information, the participants in the action climbed to the very top without special safety equipment and, while at the summit, were livestreaming or posting messages on social media. They initially began to descend but then climbed back to the upper platform.
Photo: CBS News New York
Around 12:35 PM, the couple finally began their descent. On one of the lower platforms, the man knelt down and, as seen in the footage, proposed to his companion. After this, they embraced, the woman removed her mask, and the couple kissed.
Photo: CBS News New York
Around 1 PM, both were detained by police. It is reported that no one was injured. According to law enforcement, the man and woman may face charges of trespassing on a restricted area and creating a dangerous situation.
A representative for the Empire State Building administration stated that the incident was quickly resolved in cooperation with the police. According to him, there was no danger to the building's employees, tenants, or visitors. He also humorously noted that for a memorable marriage proposal, the skyscraper's observation deck is a much safer place than the transmission tower.
Photo: CBS News New York
Experts noted that climbing to such a height without preparation is very dangerous. The tower houses radio-technical equipment and power sources, and any mistake could lead to severe consequences. Such work, as experts emphasize, is performed only by specially trained personnel.
This is not the first time people have climbed to the top of the Empire State Building. In 2023, musician and actor Jared Leto made such a climb, but he did so with official permission from the building's administration.
The top floor of the Empire State Building is at a height of 381 meters. If the transmission tower is included, the building's height is 443.2 meters. This iconic building is among the top 10 tallest in the USA.
The wind at the very top of the building at the time of the incident was south-westerly, with a speed of 8-16 kilometers per hour, and the air temperature while the couple was at the top was 31.7 degrees Celsius.