Two people have been arrested following an apparent marriage proposal atop the Empire State Building’s spire on Wednesday, after they climbed to the very pinnacle of the New York City landmark – well above the level open to the public.

The two people, both wearing black clothing and who appeared to be masked, also unfurled a large black banner at the top of the skyscraper with the words: “When the power of love beats the love of power the ‌world knows peace.”

It remained unclear how the pair made their way up the final stages of the building, which towers above midtown Manhattan at a height of 1,454ft (443 metres). Local media outlets reported a New York police department (NYPD) drone in the air, in addition to an NYPD helicopter near the scene monitoring the breathtaking stunt.

Shortly after 12.30 pm, the two climbed down to a slightly lower platform on the structure that holds the antenna atop the building. One person then got down on one knee, and after what appeared to be a proposal from a man to a woman, the two people hugged and kissed.

New York police have not confirmed any names. However, the two people appear to be Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, two Russian “rooftoppers” who have conducted similar stunts in other cities including Tianjin in China and Los Angeles.

In a story posted on Instagram and featuring a video apparently taken a the top of the skyscraper, Nikolau wrote: “Currently at the Empire State Building[,] you can watch on the city webcam.”

Around 1pm ET on Wednesday, Nikolau posted a series of photos appearing to show her up the spire, including images of the apparent proposal and what appears to be an engagement ring on her hand.

Another photo appeared to show her hand clasped with what appeared to be Beerkus’s against a backdrop of the city far below.

Both Nikolau’s and Beerkus’s social media pages feature dozens of photos and videos showing the pair standing on high-rises and bridges around the world.

The two were featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which Netflix describes as “a daredevil couple’s romance reaches dizzying highs and heartbreaking lows”.

NYPD has recovered the banner, ABC reports.

In a statement to the Guardian on Wednesday afternoon, NYPD said: “On Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at approximately 1200 hours, two unknown individuals were observed on the antenna of the Empire State Building located 20 West 34 Street, within the confines of Midtown South Precinct. NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit responded.

“Two individuals were taken into custody without incident. There are no reported injuries. Charges are pending, and the investigation remains ongoing,” the statement added.

NYPD also said on X that “due to police activity, expect street closures near 5th Avenue and 34th Street in Manhattan”.

Reuters contributed reporting