Daredevil Couple Scales Empire State Building in High-Altitude Marriage Proposal

In a daring and high-profile act, a couple scaled the Empire State Building’s antenna to spread a message of love and peace. This event unfolded on a Wednesday as part of a marriage proposal. Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, the Russian climbers, have been documented in the 2024 Netflix film “Skywalkers: A Love Story.” This film captures their exploits in ‘rooftopping’ along with their growing romance.

Both dressed in black, they avoided using tethers and balanced precariously on a ledge. They appeared to share a kiss atop the skyscraper’s antenna, as captured by news helicopter video. The banner they unfurled read, “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace,” flying from 1,454 feet above the ground. After a while, they retrieved the banner and began descending. During their climb down, one of them set up photographic equipment and knelt, seemingly proposing.

A police helicopter tracked their movements, and Emergency Services Unit officers climbed up to reach them. Body camera footage showed an officer explaining their prohibition from being there, followed by an off-screen voice saying, “We are engaged.” The climbers continued downwards, engaging calmly with the officers who intercepted them.

After their descent, Angela Nikolau shared photos of the event on social media. The photos included a ring posed against the backdrop of Manhattan. They now face charges including burglary and reckless endangerment. Authorities identified the pair by their formal names: Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov.

Building management labeled the act as “unauthorized” but asserted there was no danger to others within the structure. The management did not disclose details regarding access to the antenna or any encounters with security personnel. Standard protocol for Empire State Building visitors includes screens and restrictions on packages, sports equipment, costumes, and masks.

Tourist Julie Morris observed from a building observation deck and noted the pair entered a restricted zone. Assumptions led her to believe they were employees due to their lack of masks. Nearby onlookers observed the spectacle and expressed amazement. Jonathan Roman, a visitor from Glasgow, remarked on the unexpected excitement vis-a-vis his planned trip to the observation platform.

Unauthorized climbs of the Empire State Building’s antenna have occurred in the past. Exceptions are rare but notable, such as when actor Jared Leto ascended it lawfully in 2023 to promote a tour.