Daredevil Couple’s Empire State Building Climb for Marriage Proposal
Two climbers, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, performed a daring feat by scaling the Empire State Building’s antenna on Wednesday. This act, part of an aerial marriage proposal, ended with their arrest. The Russian pair gained attention through the Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” which explores their exploits in “rooftopping” and romance.
Footage captured by news helicopters showed them, dressed in black and mask-wearing, balancing atop the skyscraper’s antenna without protective gear. They unfurled a banner that read, “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace,” 1,454 feet above Manhattan. Following a brief stay, they climbed down, paused on a wider ledge, and appeared to get engaged before authorities intercepted them.
Police officers from the Emergency Services Unit scaled a ladder to meet the couple, informing them of the legal restrictions. As shown in police body camera footage, an officer remarked, “Well, you can’t be up here,” to which Beerkus responded with, “We are engaged.” Shortly after, police reached them, engaging in a calm conversation before escorting them down.
Nikolau shared photos of the event on her social media, displaying an engagement ring with a view of Manhattan. Police identified the climbers as Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, and they now face charges including burglary and reckless endangerment.
The documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story” follows their unsanctioned climbs of tall structures, where they sometimes impersonate construction workers. The method they used to access the Empire State Building’s antenna remains unclear, with building management labeling the act as “unauthorized.” The building’s management emphasized that the incident posed no risk to the skyscraper’s visitors and staff.
Empire State Building visitors undergo screening, with prohibited items including large packages, sports gear, costumes, and masks. According to an eyewitness, Julie Morris, the climbers breached through mesh gates into a restricted area, initially thought to be employees due to the absence of masks.
The spectacle attracted attention from bystanders, with some spectators describing the scene as “like being in the movies.” Jonathan Roman, a tourist from Glasgow, remarked that the unexpected event was more thrilling than merely visiting the observation deck.
Similar unauthorized climbs have occurred at the Empire State Building, notably Jared Leto’s ascent to promote a tour in 2023, which had special permission. The incident underlines ongoing interest in daring acts involving high-profile landmarks.