Two climbers reached the roof of the Empire State Building on Tuesday, scaling the 1,454-foot Manhattan landmark without authorization. The pair spent at least ten minutes at the summit, unfurling a large banner before descending.
The stunt drew immediate attention from NYPD and building security, who responded to the unauthorized ascent. The climbers' identities and motivations remain unclear, though such high-profile building climbs often serve as protest actions or stunts for activist causes. The banner's message has not been disclosed by authorities.
The Empire State Building, completed in 1931, ranks among America's most recognizable skyscrapers and receives roughly four million visitors annually through its official observation decks. Security breaches of this magnitude remain rare but have occurred periodically over decades. In 2013, activist Daniel Cole scaled the same structure to protest labor practices. In 2019, another climber reached the roof during a similar unauthorized ascent.
NYC building codes and federal law prohibit unauthorized roof access at major landmarks, with violators facing criminal charges. The incident underscores ongoing security vulnerabilities at iconic structures despite enhanced post-9/11 protocols. Building management has not yet announced changes to prevent future climbs.
The NYPD stated it is investigating the incident. No injuries were reported, and the two individuals were taken into custody following their descent.