Two people are in police custody after breaching security and climbing to the top of the Empire State Building on Wednesday, where they unfurled a banner more than 1,400 feet above New York City and appeared to stage a marriage proposal.

The incident occurred shortly before midday, when the pair scaled the building’s spire and remained at the summit until officers reached them. They were taken into custody without incident, according to law enforcement officials.

The climbers were identified as Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, both residents of New Jersey. Authorities said they face multiple charges, including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass and criminal mischief. An investigation is under way to determine how they accessed a restricted area not open to the public.

Two Emergency Service Unit officers from the New York Police Department climbed several ladders to reach the pair at the top of the spire and escorted them down safely. Body-worn camera footage released by police captured officers instructing the climbers to remain in place as they were secured.

The security breach comes during a busy summer period in the city, marked by large public gatherings and heightened policing. Recent weeks have seen increased crowds following sporting events and preparations for high-profile occasions, including an expected wedding celebration involving pop star Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce.

Former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe said the stunt placed authorities and building management in a difficult position.

“They cannot take the risk that others will see this and attempt to copy it,” he said, adding that the danger involved was “obvious and cannot be overstated”.

Images and video of the climb later appeared on social media accounts linked to Nikolau, including a photograph showing a ring against the city skyline. The pair are known for scaling tall structures and are featured in “Skywalkers: A Love Story”, a 2024 documentary released by Netflix. The company declined to comment.

Video from the scene showed the couple holding a banner reading: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”

Air traffic control audio captured an exchange between a police helicopter pilot and a controller at LaGuardia Airport during the incident, with the pilot reporting that two individuals had climbed to the top of the spire.

The Empire State Building’s antenna is used to transmit broadcast signals for most of New York’s television and radio stations. Despite tight security, the landmark and other skyscrapers have long attracted trespassers seeking high-profile climbs.

Both suspects were still being processed at a local police precinct late on Wednesday.