A couple known for documenting extreme rooftop climbs has been arrested after scaling New York City’s iconic Empire State Building and appearing to get engaged at the top of the landmark.
Russian urban climbers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus allegedly climbed to the antenna of the 1,454-foot (443-metre) skyscraper in an unauthorised stunt that drew widespread attention.
Dressed in black clothing and face coverings, the pair stood atop the building’s antenna and unfurled a banner reading:
“When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
After spending several minutes at the summit, they descended to a lower section of the structure, where Beerkus appeared to propose to Nikolau. The couple embraced and kissed as onlookers below reacted with cheers and astonishment.
The pair previously featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which followed their relationship and their passion for climbing some of the world’s tallest buildings.
Police body camera footage released after the incident showed officers confronting the couple near the top of the building.
“You can’t be up here,” one officer told them.
An off-camera voice replied, “We are engaged.”
The footage showed the pair calmly climbing down before speaking with police officers. Authorities said they were not wearing visible safety harnesses during the ascent.
Officials have not disclosed how the couple gained access to the restricted antenna area, which is located well above the Empire State Building’s public observation decks.
A spokesperson for the Empire State Building confirmed that the climb was not authorised but said the incident did not pose a risk to visitors inside the building.
“It’s crazy, it’s like being in the movies,” witness Jonathan Roman said as crowds gathered to watch the incident from the streets below.
The Empire State Building has attracted several unauthorised climbers over the years. One notable authorised ascent took place in 2023 when Jared Leto became the first person to legally climb part of the building during a promotional event for his band, Thirty Seconds to Mars.
Authorities have not yet announced the specific charges the couple will face following their arrest.
