A couple of thrill-seekers, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, boldly scaled the Empire State Building’s antenna on Wednesday. They displayed a banner promoting love and peace, which appeared to be part of a high-stakes marriage proposal. Their daring act quickly led to their arrest.
Nikolau and Beerkus, showcased in the 2024 Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” have earned renown for their high-altitude escapades and developing romance. Wearing black attire and masks but no safety tethers, they balanced precariously on the antenna of the iconic New York skyscraper. News helicopters captured them sharing a kiss atop the structure, which is 1,454 feet above midtown Manhattan. Their banner read, “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
Following their dramatic display, the couple retrieved the banner and navigated down to a broader ledge. One of them set up photography equipment and proposed, as pictures suggest. They embraced, and one of them, with an outstretched hand, snapped selfies seemingly admiring a ring.
Police officers from the Emergency Services Unit soon began climbing the structure to intercept them. Video footage from police body cameras shows an officer addressing them kindly, stating, “Well, you can’t be up here.” The couple responded with what sounded like, “We are engaged.” The couple descended calmly, conversing with police until reached by officers ascending a ladder.
Nikolau shared images of the adventure on her social media platforms, featuring a ring photo taken above the New York City skyline. Authorities identified the climbers as Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov. They now face charges including burglary and reckless endangerment.
“Skywalkers: A Love Story” documents these daring climbs, often without permission, as the pair sometimes disguise themselves as construction workers. The exact method of their ascent to the antenna remains unclear. Building management declared the climb unauthorized but clarified it posed no threat to anyone inside. Security details and interaction specifics were not disclosed.
Visitors to the Empire State Building face screening and are instructed against bringing large packages, sports equipment, and masks. Tourist Julie Morris, who witnessed part of the stunt from an observation deck, initially mistook the pair for building staff.
As these events transpired, pedestrians marveled from nearby streets. “It’s crazy — it’s like being in the movies,” exclaimed Jonathan Roman, a visitor from Glasgow. Despite travel inconvenience, he found the scene captivating.
The Empire State Building has drawn other adventure-seekers over the years. Most climbs were unauthorized, though in 2023, Jared Leto gained permission to ascend to the antenna’s base from the 86th floor to promote a tour.
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