A daredevil couple has been taken into custody after climbing to the very top of the Empire State Building in New York City, where they got engaged after reaching the summit.
Russian nationals Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Beerkus, 32, unfurled a large banner from the tip of the skyscraper’s needle which read: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
Beerkus then dropped to one knee and appeared to propose to Nikolau, presenting her with a ring before the pair shared a kiss and began their descent.
The couple remained atop the 1,454-foot building for at least 10 minutes. The pair, known for carrying out similar climbs around the world, were featured in the 2024 documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story.
They have since been arrested and face charges including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, trespass and disorderly conduct.
Building officials said the unauthorised incident did not pose any danger to tenants, visitors or guests on the observation deck below the spire.
Officials also noted that the observation deck atop the iconic building already offers visitors a practical and memorable setting for marriage proposals.
Preliminary information indicates the pair gained access through a hatch on the building’s 103rd floor used for water tower maintenance. While the 103rd floor is not open to the public, the floor below it is accessible to visitors, and it remains unclear how they moved between the two levels.
Shortly after midday, the pair began climbing down from the top of the building’s 200-foot telecommunications antenna.
After reaching a lower platform on the tower, Beerkus again appeared to propose, dropping to one knee before embracing Nikolau. She then removed her mask and the pair kissed.
The couple also shared images and videos from the summit on social media, including footage showing the view from the top and photographs of the proposal.
Body camera footage later showed officers climbing a caged ladder to reach the pair.
“Hello, how you doing?” an officer said. “Can you just stay where you are? You can’t be up here.”
Nikolau raised her arms and replied: “I’m OK.”
When officers asked what language they spoke, Nikolau responded: “Russian.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
