A pair of daredevils, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, found themselves in court after climbing the Empire State Building’s antenna for a unique engagement stunt. They unfurled a banner promoting love and peace, aiming to make their engagement memorable, according to prosecutors at their arraignment. The couple faced charges including felony reckless endangerment and burglary.
The incident attracted attention from authorities, who viewed it as both spectacular and hazardous. The duo, featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” reached the top of the iconic skyscraper, 1,454 feet above midtown Manhattan. They displayed a banner reading: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” A news helicopter captured the event, which concluded with a marriage proposal on a lower ledge.
Angela Nikolau shared images from their climb on social media, featuring a photo of an engagement-style ring with a breathtaking view of Manhattan. Meanwhile, police, after waiting for the antenna’s power down, ascended to intercept the climbers. Officers faced significant risks as they climbed to intercept the couple roughly 1,250 feet above the ground.
The court documents identified the duo by their formal names, Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov. Their documentary highlights their history of unauthorized climbs, often involving disguises as construction workers. Police reported a broken security lock on the restricted-access 104th floor, which leads to the antenna. Access beyond the 102nd floor observation deck requires a key card.
Empire State Building management labeled the climb unauthorized. Visitors undergo screenings and restrictions on certain items when entering the skyscraper. Despite the serious legal repercussions, Beerkus expressed belief in love, and their attorney, Jason Krinsky, suggested giving some credit to his client’s unique proposal method.
Reports reveal that while unauthorized climbs have occurred before, exceptions exist, such as actor Jared Leto’s sanctioned climb in 2023 for a tour promotion. The daredevils were released without bail as per New York’s legal stipulations on monetary bail. Krinsky mentioned future steps would rely on evidence provided by prosecutors.
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