NEW YORK: New York police arrested a Russian couple on Wednesday after they illegally climbed the antenna spire of the Empire State Building and staged a wedding proposal while displaying a banner calling for world peace.
The pair, identified by the New York Police Department (NYPD) as 33-year-old Angelina Nikolau and 32-year-old Ivan Kuznetsov, climbed to the top of the landmark skyscraper before unfurling a large banner bearing the message: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
The couple later descended to a lower platform on the antenna, where Kuznetsov proposed to Nikolau before the two embraced.
Who are the climbers?
Nikolau and Kuznetsov are known for “rooftopping”—the practice of climbing tall buildings without authorisation—and were featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which chronicled their high-risk urban climbing exploits.
The couple documented Wednesday’s climb on social media while standing atop the Empire State Building’s antenna, approximately 1,454 feet above street level.
What charges do they face?
The NYPD said officers took the pair into custody without incident after temporarily closing streets around the building.
According to police, the couple has been charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal tampering, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.
Authorities have not disclosed how the pair gained access to the restricted antenna structure.
How did the Empire State Building respond?
The Empire State Building described the climb as an unauthorised security breach.
Building management noted that visitors are permitted to access the observation deck but are prohibited from climbing the antenna above it. A spokesperson also pointed to the building’s official proposal package offered at its observation deck as a legal alternative for marriage proposals.
Why has the incident drawn attention?
The Empire State Building remains one of New York City’s most heavily secured landmarks, with security measures significantly strengthened following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The incident occurred as New York prepares for Independence Day celebrations and other high-profile public events expected to draw large crowds across the city.