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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Russian daredevils climb Empire State Building to unfurl 'love' banner

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Two individuals, identified as Russian daredevils, were arrested after scaling the Empire State Building and unfurling a banner.
  • The banner read, "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace."
  • The pair appeared to be engaged in a marriage proposal stunt before being taken into custody by New York police.

Two individuals, identified as Russian daredevils Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus, were arrested in New York City after scaling the iconic Empire State Building and unfurling a banner promoting peace. The stunt, which appeared to include a marriage proposal, saw the pair climb the skyscraper without apparent safety tethers.

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

— BannerThe message displayed on the banner unfurled from the Empire State Building.

Witnesses observed the duo balancing on a narrow ledge near the building's antenna before unfurling a banner that read: "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace." After descending, one individual appeared to propose on a wider ledge while the other took selfies.

Police apprehended the climbers around 1 p.m. local time on Wednesday as they returned to ground level. No injuries were reported. Nikolau and Beerkus, known for their "rooftopping" adventures, later claimed responsibility for the stunt on their Instagram accounts, posting images and videos of their climb.

It's crazy. It's like being in the movies.

— Jonathan RomanA tourist describing the scene from the ground.

Nikolau's father, Russian circus artist Dmitriy Nikolau, expressed little concern about his daughter's actions, stating, "I think it is normal to climb up a roof in any country, including the United States, according to any constitution." Onlookers described the event as "crazy" and "like being in the movies," with some tourists lamenting that the building was closed to visitors due to the antenna activity.

I think it is normal to climb up a roof in any country, including the United States, according to any constitution.

— Dmitriy NikolauAngela Nikolau's father commenting on his daughter's climbing activities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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