Daredevil couple propose atop Empire State Building

A couple accused of scaling the Empire State Building faced multiple charges after being arrested during what appears to have been a dramatic marriage proposal. The individuals, identified as Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov—also known as Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus—were apprehended following their unauthorized ascent to the top of the iconic 102-story skyscraper in New York City. Their actions, captured on camera and shared widely online, sparked both admiration and concern over safety protocols at such a high-profile location.

According to reports, the couple arrived at the Empire State Building shortly after noon on Wednesday. They ascended the structure’s antenna, which extends well beyond the publicly accessible observation decks, and unfurled a banner reading, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” This act coincided with what appeared to be a romantic gesture, as Ivan Kuznetsov, also referred to as Vanya Beerkus, got down on one knee and proposed to Angelina Nikolau. The pair then embraced and kissed, followed by a moment where Nikolau examined her hand, seemingly inspecting a ring, and took photos to share on social media platforms.

The couple’s stunt was not their first of its kind. Known for performing daring rooftop climbs and sharing their exploits on social media, they have previously undertaken similar feats around the globe. Their story was even featured in the 2024 documentary *Skywalkers: A Love Story*, highlighting their unique lifestyle and relationship dynamics. Despite their fame, the incident raised questions about how they managed to bypass the stringent security measures in place at the Empire State Building, particularly given the increased precautions implemented since the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Following their climb, the couple descended the antenna structure, navigating the narrow latticework with apparent ease. However, their presence on the restricted area prompted immediate action from law enforcement. By approximately 1 p.m., police had taken them into custody without incident. No injuries were reported, though the exact nature of the charges against them remained under investigation at the time of reporting. Potential charges included burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal tampering, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct, according to statements from the New York Police Department.

The Empire State Building, a symbol of American architecture and tourism, typically restricts access to its upper levels to ensure visitor safety. While the building offers an enclosed observation deck on its 102nd floor, the area above that remains strictly off-limits. In response to the incident, officials emphasized the importance of adhering to established safety guidelines. An Empire State Building spokesperson described the event as an “unauthorized incident” and suggested that couples wishing to make proposals might consider using the building’s official ‘Happily Ever Empire Proposal Package,’ which allows for private use of the observation deck for a fee.

Despite the legal repercussions, the couple’s actions drew attention from both supporters and critics. Some viewed their stunt as a testament to their adventurous spirit and commitment to each other, while others questioned the risks associated with such behavior. Notably, Angelina Nikolau’s father, Dmitriy Nikolau, a Russian circus artist, expressed his belief that climbing rooftops is a common practice in many countries and that there was no reason for concern regarding his daughter’s arrest. He stated that he himself engages in similar activities, suggesting a familial acceptance of such pursuits.

As the investigation continues, authorities will likely seek to determine exactly how the couple accessed the restricted area of the Empire State Building. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between personal freedom and public safety, especially in spaces frequented by millions of visitors annually. What happens next remains uncertain, but the case has undoubtedly reignited discussions about the boundaries of expression and the responsibilities that come with such acts of defiance against institutional rules.