Stunt atop New York's Iconic Skyscraper
A daredevil couple, known for their rooftop climbing exploits, scaled the Empire State Building’s antenna on Wednesday and unfurled a banner reading “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” The stunt, which appeared to include a marriage proposal, ended with their arrest.
The Russian climbers, identified by police as Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, go by the names Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus. They were the subjects of the 2024 Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” which chronicles their “rooftopping” adventures and romance.
Details of the Ascent and Proposal
Dressed in black and wearing masks but no safety tethers, the couple balanced on a narrow ledge atop the 1,454-foot antenna and appeared to kiss, as captured by news helicopter video. After displaying the banner, they climbed down to a wider ledge, where one set up photography equipment and got down on one knee. They kissed and hugged, and the other person took selfies while examining a ring.
Police body camera footage showed an officer climbing a ladder to intercept them, stating, “Well, you can’t be up here.” An off-camera voice replied, “We are engaged.” The couple then calmly descended and spoke with officers.
Arrest and Charges
Nikolau posted images of the escapade on social media, including a photo of an engagement-style ring with a bird’s-eye view of Manhattan. The couple was arrested on charges including burglary and reckless endangerment. It was not immediately clear if they had legal representation. Messages seeking comment were sent to the couple.
How They Gained Access
It remains unclear how the pair accessed the antenna, which rises well above the public areas of the 102-story building. Building management stated the episode was “unauthorized” and did not endanger anyone in the skyscraper. They did not answer questions about security interactions or how the couple bypassed screening, which includes bans on large packages, sports equipment, costumes, and masks.
Tourist Julie Morris told local TV stations she saw two people pass through mesh gates into an off-limits area on an observation deck and assumed they worked there.
Public Reaction and Past Incidents
Onlookers watched from sidewalks near the Art Deco office tower. Jonathan Roman, a tourist from Glasgow, Scotland, said, “It’s crazy — it’s like being in the movies.” He and his son had observation platform tickets but found the building blocked off due to the antenna activity, calling the spectacle “probably more exciting than going up to the viewing platform for the second time.”
Daredevils have previously climbed the Empire State Building’s antenna, mostly unauthorized. In 2023, actor and musician Jared Leto was permitted to climb to the base of the antenna from the 86th floor to promote a tour.
