A carefully planned security breach allowed two prominent urban climbers to reach the top of New York’s Empire State Building, unfurl a banner and become engaged more than 400 metres above Manhattan.
Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, known online as Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, entered the building as ordinary visitors on Tuesday evening and allegedly remained hidden after it closed to the public. Hours later, they emerged near the upper observation decks and began making their way towards the restricted broadcast antenna.
The couple, who featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, are known for making unauthorised climbs of skyscrapers and other structures around the world.
After reaching the antenna’s highest point, about 443 metres above Midtown Manhattan, they displayed a black banner reading: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
They then descended to a lower platform, where Kuznetsov appeared to propose. Nikolau later posted photographs showing an engagement ring against the Manhattan skyline.
Hidden inside overnight
According to details reported by CNN, the pair bought tickets to the Empire State Building’s observatory and passed through the normal visitor security screening.
They are believed to have hidden in a maintenance or utility area before the observation complex was cleared and closed at around midnight.
Security footage reportedly shows a floor hatch opening at 5.04am on Wednesday, with the couple emerging near the 102nd floor. Investigators are examining whether they had previously visited the building to study its layout, staff movements and possible security weaknesses.
Barriers and locks breached
Access above the public observation deck is heavily restricted. According to investigators, a stairway leading towards the spire had been blocked with a system of metal cables.
Footage reportedly shows Kuznetsov using tools to loosen the brackets holding the cables, creating enough space for the pair to pass through. They then continued through restricted areas and allegedly broke locks before reaching a security door on the 104th floor, which provides access to the antenna.
Damage to the security door and its lock was estimated at about $2,000.
Investigators believe the couple deliberately waited until midday before revealing themselves, when their appearance was most likely to attract attention from pedestrians, news cameras and social media users.
Antenna powered down for police
The climb triggered a major response from the New York Police Department after the pair were spotted on the antenna.
Because the broadcast equipment emits powerful high-frequency radio signals, the antenna had to be switched off before Emergency Services Unit officers could safely approach them. Police waited about 30 minutes for the equipment to power down.
Specialist officers wearing climbing equipment then ascended the structure and intercepted the couple as they made their way down. No injuries were reported.
The Empire State Building said the climb was unauthorised but stressed that visitors, tenants and observation deck guests had not been placed in danger.
Felony charges
Nikolau and Kuznetsov were charged with offences including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools, criminal tampering, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.
Prosecutors argued that the stunt endangered not only the climbers but also the officers required to pursue them more than 380 metres above the ground.
The couple were released under court supervision after appearing in Manhattan Criminal Court. Their lawyer, Jason Krinsky, argued that the case had been overcharged and described the climb as an attempt to deliver a message of love.
Authorities are also examining whether the stunt was intended to generate social-media revenue or form part of a future documentary project.
After leaving court, the newly engaged couple were followed by cameras to a Manhattan subway station, where they paused on the steps and shared a prolonged kiss.
With information from CNN
