Two people are in custody after scaling the 1,450-foot-tall Empire State Building in New York City on Wednesday, unveiling a pro-love, pro-peace banner.
Their flag, attached to the antenna, reads, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
It was later revealed that the couple, both of whom were donning all-black outfits and black masks, are Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, known for their daredevil stunts around the world.
The ordeal began around noon, and after about 30 minutes, the two began to descend from the top of the building’s transmission tower.
The death-defying stunt appeared to be an act of love, complete with an engagement.
Upon reaching one of the lower platforms on the tower, Mr. Beerkus dropped to one knee and proposed to Ms. Nikolau. The two embraced and kissed as helicopters circled overhead, capturing photos.
They posed for pictures while at the top, posting them to their Instagram accounts.
The two atop the 102-story building are the same pair behind the 2024 documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story.” The film follows the couple, two Russian nationals who attempted an acrobatic stunt climbing the skyscraper Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Since making their way down around 1 p.m., where law enforcement officers assembled behind yellow police tape, they have been taken into custody, according to New York City Police Department spokeswoman Delaney Kempner.
Their names were not immediately released by the NYPD.
No injuries were reported, and charges are currently pending.
The police department told New Yorkers to expect street closures near 5th Avenue and 34th Street in Manhattan.
At the beginning of the ordeal, the building’s iconic observation deck below saw normal activity.
It was not immediately clear how the two climbed to the top of the building.
Others have previously climbed the spire of the building, and many stunts have been unauthorized.
