Two people were arrested Wednesday after climbing to the top of the Empire State Building’s antenna in an apparent marriage proposal that prompted an emergency response and raised questions about security at one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
Police responded around noon after receiving 911 calls reporting two climbers on the building’s 1,454-foot-high antenna. Dressed in black clothing and face coverings, the pair unfurled a large banner bearing a message promoting peace, then remained atop the structure for about 30 minutes.
The climbers then descended to a platform, where one appeared to propose to the other before the pair embraced. About 10 minutes later, they continued down the spire and were taken into custody by New York Police Department officers waiting below.
Authorities identified the pair as Russian nationals Ivan Kuznetsov, who is also known as Ivan Beerkus, and Angelina Nikolau. The couple is featured in the Netflix documentary *Skywalkers: A Love Story*, which follows their high-risk climbs of skyscrapers around the world, often without safety equipment.
Both were charged with felony burglary, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief, along with misdemeanor counts of criminal tampering, trespassing, disorderly conduct and possession of burglar’s tools. Attorney information for either defendant was not immediately available.
Investigators are trying to determine how the pair reached the antenna. Officials familiar with the investigation said authorities are examining whether they bypassed security by entering through a tenant or commercial entrance rather than the observation deck, where visitors undergo security screening.
An Empire State Building spokesperson described the climb as unauthorized but said the incident never posed a danger to tenants, visitors or guests on the observation deck. The building remained open throughout the ordeal.
The landmark also injected some humor into the situation on social media, joking that it offers a memorable setting for marriage proposals and teasing neighboring Madison Square Garden, where rumors have circulated about a possible celebrity wedding later this week.
The stunt is the latest high-profile “rooftopping” incident involving Kuznetsov and Nikolau, whose exploits have gained international attention through social media and documentary filmmaking, despite the serious legal and safety risks involved.
Source: NBC4