Russian rooftoppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus have been identified as the couple arrested after climbing the antenna of New York City's Empire State Building, where they unfurled a banner before becoming engaged. The pair were taken into custody after scaling the 1,454-foot structure on July 1, 2026.
Charges Filed Against the Couple
They have been charged with felony burglary, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief, along with misdemeanour offences including criminal trespass. The New York Police Department confirmed the arrests, stating that two individuals were observed on the antenna at approximately 12:00 hours and were taken into custody without incident. No injuries were reported.
The Engagement and Banner Display
Videos circulating online showed the couple reaching the top of the building's antenna and displaying a banner reading, "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace." Beerkus then proposed to Nikolau, who accepted. The couple, originally from Russia and now based in New Jersey, are well known for rooftopping, the practice of climbing skyscrapers and other tall structures without authorisation.
Response from Authorities and Building Management
An Empire State Building spokesperson said, "The unauthorised incident at the building has been resolved with the constructive and helpful coordination of the New York Police Department. There was at no time danger to tenants, visitors, and Empire State Building Observation Deck guests." The New York Police Department confirmed the details and noted that the individuals were taken into custody without incident.
Background of the Rooftoppers
Nikolau and Beerkus were the subjects of the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story and have previously scaled landmarks including Malaysia's Merdeka 118 and China's unfinished Goldin Finance 117 skyscraper. Authorities have not confirmed exactly how the pair accessed the antenna, although reports suggest they may have breached a secured maintenance area above the building's highest public observation level.
