A couple who scaled the Empire State Building without permission have been arrested, prompting British safety officials to call for an urgent review of security at iconic landmarks. The pair, whose identities have not yet been released, were taken into custody after reaching the top of the New York skyscraper on Tuesday morning. The incident has raised serious questions about how two individuals could breach security at one of the world’s most famous buildings, with UK safety experts warning that similar vulnerabilities could exist at British landmarks.
The couple are believed to have used a ladder to access an external scaffolding structure before climbing the building’s spire. New York police said the pair were unharmed and have been charged with reckless endangerment and trespassing. The British Safety Council, a leading health and safety charity, said the incident showed that ‘complacency must not be allowed to creep in’ at tourist attractions.
‘While this may appear a daredevil stunt, it highlights a serious failure of security measures,’ a spokesperson said. ‘We urge building owners and operators to review their protocols to prevent copycat incidents that could have tragic consequences.’ The Empire State Building, owned by Empire State Realty Trust, has not confirmed whether it will alter its security.
However, the company said it was ‘grateful that no one was injured’ and that it would cooperate with authorities. The incident comes just weeks after a man climbed the Eiffel Tower without permission, prompting similar concerns. UK safety officials have already begun discussions with operators of the London Eye and The Shard to assess their security.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the government was ‘monitoring the situation closely’. The couple remain in custody in New York. It is unclear if they will face further charges related to trespassing on a national landmark.
The investigation is ongoing.
