A couple has been taken into custody after climbing to the very top of Empire State Building in New York, where they became engaged.
The pair, identified as Russian nationals Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Beerkus, 32, reached the building’s spire and unfurled a banner reading: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
While at the top of the 1,454-foot skyscraper, Beerkus reportedly proposed to Nikolau, getting down on one knee and presenting a ring. The couple kissed before descending the structure.
They are believed to have remained at the summit for around 10 minutes. Both are known for performing high-risk urban climbing stunts around the world, and their story is featured in the 2024 documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story.
New York Police Department confirmed that two individuals were taken into custody following the incident at the top of Empire State Building.
According to reports cited by CBS, the pair face multiple charges, including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, trespass, and disorderly conduct.
A spokesperson for the building stated that the “unauthorised incident” did not pose any danger to tenants, visitors, or guests on the observation deck located just below the spire. The statement also noted that the Empire State Building already offers a designated and safe setting for memorable marriage proposals, highlighting the availability of official observation areas for such events.
Preliminary information suggests the couple entered the upper part of the structure through a maintenance hatch on the 103rd floor, which is normally used for access to water tower equipment. That level is not open to the public, although the 102nd floor below it is accessible to visitors.
Authorities have not yet clarified how the individuals managed to move from the publicly accessible upper floors to the restricted spire area.
The Empire State Building, standing at 443 metres (1,453 feet), remains one of New York’s most recognisable landmarks and significantly taller than many other major European structures, including London’s Elizabeth Tower and the Eiffel Tower.
Shortly after midday, the pair began descending from the top of the 200-foot telecommunications antenna on Empire State Building.
Once they reached a lower platform on the structure, the man dropped to one knee and appeared to propose to the woman. The two then embraced, and the woman removed her mask before they shared a kiss.
The couple also posted on social media while still at the top of the building, documenting their presence on the landmark as the events unfolded.
Angela Nikolau shared footage on social media showing a view from a small platform near the top of Empire State Building, along with a photo that appeared to capture the moment Ivan Beerkus proposed.
Separately, the New York Police Department released body camera footage showing an officer climbing a caged ladder to reach the pair and speak with them.
In the video, the officer can be heard greeting them and instructing them to remain where they were, saying they were not permitted to be in that area.
One of the individuals responds by raising her arms and saying she is okay, before officers ask what language they speak. She replies that they speak Russian.
The incident was later reported with additional information provided by journalist Ana Faguy.
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