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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Crime & Justice

Couple Climbs Empire State Building for Proposal, Unfurls Peace Banner, Gets Arrested

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A Russian couple illegally climbed the Empire State Building, unfurled a peace banner, and got engaged.
  • They were arrested by police on charges including felony burglary and reckless endangerment.
  • The couple, known for extreme urban climbing, had previously scaled other tall structures globally.

A Russian couple illegally scaled the Empire State Building in New York City, unfurled a peace banner, and celebrated a marriage proposal nearly 1,500 feet above the ground before being arrested. The climbers, identified as Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Beerkus, 32, ascended the building's spire before displaying a banner reading: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”

When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.

— Peace BannerThe message displayed by the couple from the spire of the Empire State Building.

The dramatic scene unfolded as helicopters circled and onlookers watched from below. Following the banner unfurling, Beerkus proposed to Nikolau, who accepted. The couple later descended to street level, where they were taken into police custody without injury. They face charges including felony burglary, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief.

Authorities have not disclosed how the pair accessed the restricted area of the skyscraper. A spokesperson for the Empire State Building stated that the incident was resolved in coordination with the NYPD and assured the public was never in danger. The observatory was described as a practical venue for memorable proposals.

There was at no time danger to tenants, visitors, and Empire State Building Observation Deck guests.

— Empire State Building SpokespersonThe spokesperson confirmed public safety was maintained during the incident.

Nikolau and Beerkus, originally from Russia and now residing in East Orange, New Jersey, are known for their high-risk ascents. Their exploits were chronicled in the 2024 documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story. Nikolau has a significant following on Instagram, where she posted videos and photos from the climb, including the proposal. Their previous climbs include Malaysia's Merdeka 118 and skyscrapers in China and Europe.

geniuses climbed to the top of the Empire State Building

— Air Traffic Control RecordingAn air traffic controller expressed surprise at the unusual sight.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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