MARRIAGE PROPOSAL GONE WRONG: Couple arrested after climbing NYC Empire State Building

International

WHAT appeared to be a marriage proposal atop one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers ended with two daredevil climbers being taken into police custody after scaling the spire of New York City’s Empire State Building.

According to a BBC report, Russian nationals Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Beerkus, 32, climbed to the tip of the building’s 1,454-foot (443-meter) needle, where they unfurled a large banner that read: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”

The pair remained at the top of the skyscraper for at least 10 minutes. During the stunt, Beerkus appeared to propose to Nikolau, getting down on one knee and presenting her with a ring before the two embraced and kissed.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) later took both individuals into custody.

According to CBS, the couple is facing charges that include burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, trespassing and disorderly conduct.

A spokesperson for the Empire State Building described the climb as an unauthorized incident but said it did not pose any danger to tenants, visitors or guests at the observation deck below the spire.

The spokesperson also noted that the landmark already offers visitors “a practical way for the most memorable marriage proposals,” without the need to climb its telecommunications antenna.

According to law enforcement sources cited by CBS, preliminary information indicates the couple gained access through a maintenance hatch on the building’s 103rd floor, an area that is closed to the public.

Authorities are still investigating how they reached the restricted level from the public observation areas below.

As the pair descended from the approximately 200-foot telecommunications antenna, Beerkus once again appeared to propose on a lower platform before the two embraced and kissed.

The climbers also documented the stunt on social media. Nikolau shared videos showing the view from the top of the skyscraper, along with photos of the apparent proposal.

The couple are known for performing high-risk climbs around the world and were featured in the 2024 documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which chronicles their adventures as urban climbers.(Khea Raym Lubiano, PIT Comm Intern)