RismadarVoice Reporters
July 1, 2026
Two people were arrested after illegally climbing to the top of New York City’s iconic Empire State Building, where they staged a dramatic marriage proposal before being taken into custody by authorities.
The pair, identified as Russian urban climbers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, allegedly bypassed security on Wednesday to reach the building’s restricted antenna, which stands atop the 1,454-foot (443-metre) skyscraper.
Dressed in black with their faces covered, the duo unfurled a large banner reading, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace,” before carrying out the proposal.
Authorities responded swiftly after the stunt was discovered. Police cleared the building’s observation deck while an NYPD helicopter monitored the situation overhead. The banner was later removed.
A spokesperson for the New York Police Department confirmed that both individuals were taken into custody without resistance.
“Two individuals were taken into custody without incident. There are no injuries reported. Charges are pending, and the investigation is ongoing,” the spokesperson said.
Videos circulating on social media captured the moment Beerkus knelt to propose to Nikolau at the top of the skyscraper. The couple embraced and kissed after she accepted, while another clip showed Nikolau displaying what appeared to be her engagement ring.
The pair later shared photographs of the proposal on Instagram, posting images from the summit of the Empire State Building with the simple caption: “Empire State Building, New York.”
In an Instagram Story posted during the climb, Nikolau told followers they could watch the stunt live through the city’s public webcam.
Nikolau and Beerkus are well known for scaling some of the world’s tallest buildings and bridges, regularly sharing photos and videos of their exploits on social media.
The couple also featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which chronicles their relationship and their passion for high-risk urban climbing.
Although millions of tourists visit the Empire State Building’s observation decks each year, access to the structure’s upper sections, including the transmitter antenna, is strictly prohibited.
Authorities have not disclosed how the pair gained access to the restricted area, and investigations into the security breach are ongoing.
