Two lovers were arrested after illegally climbing to the top of the Empire State Building’s antenna in New York City, where they staged a dramatic marriage proposal before being taken into federal custody.
The pair, identified as Russian roof-toppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, allegedly bypassed security measures to access the restricted section of the iconic 1,454-foot (443-metre) skyscraper. Dressed in black clothing with their faces covered, they climbed to the building’s peak and unfurled a large banner bearing the message: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
The stunt prompted an immediate security response. Authorities recovered the banner, deployed a New York Police Department helicopter to monitor the scene and temporarily evacuated the building’s observation deck while officers responded.
A spokesperson for the New York Police Department confirmed that both individuals were taken into custody without resistance.
“Two individuals were taken into custody without incident. There are no injuries reported. Charges are pending, and the investigation is ongoing,” the spokesperson said.
Videos shared on social media captured the moment Beerkus knelt to propose to Nikolau at the summit of the skyscraper before the couple embraced and kissed. In another clip, Nikolau was seen admiring what appeared to be her engagement ring.
The couple later shared photographs of the proposal and the ring on Instagram with the caption, “Empire State Building, New York.” During the climb, Nikolau also posted a video to her Instagram Story encouraging followers to watch the stunt through the city’s public webcam.
Nikolau and Beerkus are well known for scaling skyscrapers and other towering structures around the world, documenting their exploits on social media. The pair also featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which chronicles their relationship and their high-risk adventures.
While the Empire State Building’s observation deck is open to millions of visitors each year, public access to the building’s transmitter antenna and other structures above the observation area is strictly prohibited.
Authorities have not disclosed how the pair managed to reach the restricted section of the landmark, and investigations into the security breach are continuing.
