how many people have scaled the empire state building

Two people have recently scaled the Empire State Building in the widely reported July 2026 incident.

Quick Scoop

That specific climb involved 2 people who reached the top/spire, unfurled a banner, and were later taken into custody.

If you meant the total number of people ever to have scaled the Empire State Building, there does not appear to be a single widely accepted public tally in the sources I found, because “scaled” can mean different things and incidents are reported across many years.

What’s clear

• Recent climb reported by multiple outlets: 2 people.

• They were seen at the top of the building’s antenna/spire and later came down.

• Police said the two were taken into custody.

Bottom line

For the latest reported incident, the answer is 2.