A Russian couple was arrested Wednesday after climbing to the top of the Empire State Building's antenna in what appeared to be an elaborate marriage proposal. The climbers, identified as Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Beerkus (also known as Ivan Kuznetsov), 32, scaled the 1,454-foot structure without safety equipment before unfurling a banner with a peace message reading 'when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.'
Key Takeaways
A Russian couple, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, was arrested after scaling the Empire State Building's antenna without safety equipment to propose marriage. They unfurled a peace banner and proposed on a ledge before being intercepted by police.
- Couple climbed 1,454-foot structure without authorization or safety gear
- Unfurled banner with peace message: 'when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace'
- Proposal took place on a wider ledge after descending from antenna top
- Gained access through locked maintenance hatch on restricted 103rd floor
- Faces charges including burglary and reckless endangerment
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▼Source Claims Check
2 Differences FoundAll 9 publishers report consistent facts across 3 key claims. 2 points of difference noted.
| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Point | 1 Difference | Majority reports access through locked hatch on 103rd; Los Angeles Times cites broken lock on 104th | ▼ |
| Climbers' Identities | 1 Difference | Majority uses Angela Nikolau/Ivan Beerkus; Los Angeles Times cites formal names | ▼ |
| Climb Motivation | Broad Agreement | Couple wanted to do something special for engagement | |
| Banner Message | Broad Agreement | when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace | |
| Highest Public Floor | Broad Agreement | 102nd floor observation deck is highest public access point |
Access Point
▼Majority reports access through locked hatch on 103rd; Los Angeles Times cites broken lock on 104th
Climbers' Identities
▼Majority uses Angela Nikolau/Ivan Beerkus; Los Angeles Times cites formal names
Climb Motivation
Broad AgreementCouple wanted to do something special for engagement
Banner Message
Broad Agreementwhen the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace
Highest Public Floor
Broad Agreement102nd floor observation deck is highest public access point
This analysis is AI-generated and may not perfectly represent each source's reporting. Always read the original articles for full context.
The couple, dressed in black and wearing masks but not tethers, balanced on a narrow ledge and appeared to kiss atop the skyscraper's antenna. After lingering for some time, they climbed down to a wider ledge where Beerkus proposed to Nikolau. Police Emergency Services Unit officers intercepted them as they were descending.
According to multiple reports, the couple gained access through a locked maintenance hatch on the 103rd floor, which is not open to the public. The climb disrupted building operations, with tourists evacuated from observation decks as police responded. Building management maintained that there was 'at no time danger' to visitors and emphasized their official proposal packages.
Nikolau posted images of the escapade on her social media accounts, including a photo that modeled an engagement-style ring above a bird's-eye view of Manhattan. The couple faces multiple charges including burglary and reckless endangerment. Former CBS News broadcast engineer John Cleary warned of potential dangers from radio-frequency radiation and electrical energy in that area.
This isn't the first unauthorized climb at the Empire State Building. In 2023, actor Jared Leto legally climbed it for a promotional event, while other climbers have faced arrests for similar stunts in recent years. The building's observation deck remains open to the public on the 102nd floor.
During their arraignment, prosecutors stated that Beerkus wanted to 'do something special' for their engagement according to Los Angeles Times. The couple was identified by formal names Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov in court documents as reported by Los Angeles Times. Police waited about half an hour for the antenna to be powered down before Emergency Services Unit officers started ascending and eventually intercepted the climbers on their way down, according to the court complaint which noted the danger to officers who climbed about 1,250 feet above the ground.
The couple was featured in a 2024 Netflix documentary 'Skywalkers: A Love Story' documenting their rooftopping exploits and budding romance. The highest public floor is the 102nd, where there’s an observation deck. Going higher requires a key card according to court documents as reported by Los Angeles Times.
Beerkus responded to a journalist's question about the stunt saying 'We believe in love' after their arraignment. Their attorney Jason Krinsky stated outside of court that once prosecutors provide evidence, he and his clients would assess it and determine next steps according to Los Angeles Times.
How this summary was created
This summary synthesizes reporting from 9 independent publishers using AI. All sources are cited and linked below. NewsBalance is a news aggregator and media literacy tool, not a news publisher. AI-generated content may contain errors or inaccuracies — always verify important information with the original sources.