Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-27**Lead**
The two individuals who scaled the Empire State Building without authorization and used the iconic skyscraper as the backdrop for a dramatic marriage proposal are reportedly nearing a plea agreement with Manhattan prosecutors, according to the attorney representing them. The lawyer, who spoke on condition of anonymity while negotiations continue, said a deal could be finalized within weeks, potentially sparing the couple from significant prison time. The stunt, which occurred in broad daylight last spring, drew widespread media attention and a mix of public outrage and admiration.
**Context**
The daring ascent took place on a clear Tuesday morning in May 2025, when the two climbers — a man and a woman in their late 20s — used climbing gear to scale the exterior of the Empire State Building from the 86th-floor observation deck to the 102nd-floor summit. The pair, who are believed to be experienced base jumpers and urban climbers, bypassed security by blending in with tourists and then evading detection for nearly 20 minutes during the climb. Once at the top, the man produced a ring and proposed to his partner, with the New York City skyline as their witness. The entire act was captured by a bystander’s smartphone and quickly went viral on social media, earning the couple the nickname “the beloved daredevils” from online commenters. However, New York police arrested them as they descended back to the observation deck, charging them with reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, and multiple counts of illegal climbing of a landmark building. The Empire State Building also faces scrutiny for a security lapse, though no charges have been filed against the building’s management.
Since their arrest, the couple has been free on bail while their case makes its way through the New York criminal justice system. Public sentiment has been divided: some view them as romantic thrill-seekers who harmed no one, while others argue their actions set a dangerous precedent and endangered first responders. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has been under pressure from safety advocates to seek a harsh sentence, but the couple’s clean prior records and the lack of any injuries during the climb have given prosecutors room to consider a lenient resolution.
**Analise**
The potential deal, as described by the attorney, would likely involve the couple pleading guilty to a reduced charge — such as trespassing as a misdemeanor — in exchange for a sentence of community service, probation, and a public apology. The attorney emphasized that the parties are “inching toward a deal” but stressed that obstacles remain, including the couple’s refusal to disclose the full details of their climbing equipment supplier, which prosecutors want to investigate for potential liability. Additionally, the Empire State Building’s security upgrade costs may factor into any restitution agreement. The attorney noted that the couple has already expressed remorse and is willing to pay for the building’s additional security measures. “They never intended to cause panic or fear,” the lawyer said. “It was a private moment that unfortunately became a public spectacle in the wrong way.”
From a legal perspective, the case touches on the fine line between artistic expression and public endangerment. Urban climbing and “buildering” — the practice of illegally scaling buildings for sport or art — have gained popularity in recent years, with several high-profile incidents in Chicago, Dubai, and London. New York specifically has strict laws against climbing landmarks without a permit, and the Empire State Building is a federally protected structure. A plea deal that avoids jail time could set a precedent that such stunts, while illegal, may be treated as minor offenses if no harm results. However, safety experts warn that even a single mishap could lead to fatalities, and they urge courts to consider the message a lenient sentence sends to other potential copycats.
**Fontes**
This article is based on statements from the attorney representing the couple, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to ongoing negotiations, as well as public court documents filed with the New York County Criminal Court. Additional context was drawn from prior news reports on urban climbing incidents and security assessments of the Empire State Building. No direct quotes from the couple themselves have been obtained, and the attorney declined to provide their names, citing privacy concerns and the sensitive nature of the talks.