Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building’s spire in New York City on Wednesday afternoon, unfurled a banner and were taken into custody after one appeared to propose to the other. The New York Police Department identified the climbers as Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33. Officers charged both with felony burglary, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief following the incident.
The pair are known online for climbing skyscrapers around the world and was featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” which chronicled their ascent of the Merdeka 118 tower in Kuala Lumpur, the world’s second-tallest building. Preliminary information indicates the two accessed the Empire State Building through a hatch on the 103rd floor used for water tower maintenance. Both climbers also face misdemeanour charges, including possession of burglar’s tools, criminal tampering, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.
Banner and Proposal Atop the Spire
At the top of the spire, the climbers held a pro-peace banner that read, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” The man then dropped to one knee and appeared to propose to the woman. The two embraced and kissed before descending and being taken into custody.
The New York Police Department released footage showing an officer’s view as he climbed the building’s spire to reach the pair. The climb prompted a significant emergency response at the Empire State Building, one of New York City’s most visited tourist attractions. The building remained open to visitors during the incident.
The Empire State Building, completed in 1931, remains one of New York City’s most visited landmarks, drawing millions of tourists to its observation decks each year. Unauthorized climbs and stunts at prominent skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, have periodically raised questions about building security. Officials have not indicated whether the building’s security protocols will change following the incident.
Couple Known for High-Profile Skyscraper Climbs
Kuznetsov, who identifies himself as Ivan Beerkus on social media, and Nikolau have built a large online following documenting their climbs of skyscrapers around the world. Their 2024 Netflix documentary, “Skywalkers: A Love Story”, followed the couple’s climb of the Merdeka 118 tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which stands as the world’s second-tallest building. The pair have previously scaled other prominent structures as part of their climbing career.
The Empire State Building climb marks the latest in a series of unauthorized ascents carried out by the couple at prominent global landmarks. Both climbers remain in custody following their arrest. The New York Police Department has not released additional details about the ongoing case.
Top Photo Credit: Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock.com
