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Masked Climbers Scale the Empire State Building and Unfurl Banner
Two masked climbers were arrested after scaling the Empire State Building and displaying a peace banner, prompting a police response.
By  Ernesto Iván Vargas Martínez
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Masked Climbers Scale the Empire State Building and Unfurl Banner
Foto Shutterstock

Posted on07/02/26 at 17:52

  • Masked climbers scale Empire State Building in protest
  • Police arrest two individuals
  • Peace banner displayed

Two masked individuals climbed to the top of the Empire State Building on Wednesday, July 1, and unfurled a massive banner carrying a message of peace.

The Empire State Building protest prompted a large response from the New York Police Department, led to street closures in Manhattan, and ended with both individuals being taken into custody.

  • Why it matters: Authorities confirmed the arrests but have not yet announced what charges the pair could face or publicly identified them.

The banner drew the attention of pedestrians, office workers, and news outlets as it hung from one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers.

Empire State Building protest: How the incident unfolded

The banner displayed from the top of the Empire State Building read:

«When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.»
The identities of the two individuals were not immediately released.

According to CBS News, both climbers began descending the building at approximately 12:35 p.m. ET.

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Meanwhile, the New York Police Department responded after receiving reports of the incident.

Police announced on social media that several streets near Fifth Avenue and 34th Street were temporarily closed.

Authorities later confirmed to USA TODAY that both individuals had been arrested.

So far, officials have not announced what charges may result from the incident.

Witnesses followed the incident live

Stephanie Hazlewood, a New York resident who works on the fourth floor of the Empire State Building, learned about the incident through a coworker.

She told USA TODAY that a colleague sent her a link to a live stream showing what was happening at the top of the building.

«One of my coworkers said, ‘Oh my God! He proposed up there!'» Hazlewood recalled.

However, that claim has not been confirmed by authorities.

The New York Police Department said it could not verify whether the pair actually became engaged during the incident.

The lack of official information has left several questions about the purpose of the climb unanswered.

As events unfolded, large crowds gathered in nearby streets to watch the police response.

Motive behind the climb remains unclear

Hazlewood said the incident appeared to have more of an artistic purpose than anything else.

«But honestly, I don’t know exactly what it is,» she said.
«It seems like a way to get attention and maybe a form of art,» she added.
Authorities have not provided an official explanation for the purpose of the Empire State Building protest.

They also have not disclosed how the two individuals managed to reach the top of the building.

Officials have only confirmed that the incident ended with both climbers in police custody.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities determine the possible legal consequences and the motivation behind the banner display.