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VIDEO: Lovers arrested after scaling New York’s skyscraper for proposal

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Two individuals, identified as Russian roof-toppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, were arrested after scaling the Empire State Building.
  • The couple reached the top of the 1,454-foot structure to unfurl a banner and stage a wedding proposal.
  • Police took the individuals into custody without incident, and charges are pending as the investigation continues.

A dramatic wedding proposal unfolded atop the Empire State Building on Wednesday, culminating in the arrest of two individuals who had bypassed security to scale the iconic skyscraper. Russian roof-toppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus were taken into federal custody after reaching the peak of the 1,454-foot structure.

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

— Angela Nikolau and Ivan BeerkusThis is the message displayed on the banner unfurled by the couple at the top of the Empire State Building.

The duo, clad in all-black attire with their faces concealed, ascended an antenna at the building's summit. Upon reaching their goal, they unfurled a large banner that read, "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace." Viral videos captured the moment the man proposed on bended knee, followed by an embrace and kiss between the couple at the extreme height. Nikolau was later seen on video showing off what appeared to be an engagement ring.

Two individuals were taken into custody without incident. There are no injuries reported. Charges are pending, and the investigation is still ongoing.

— New York Police Department spokesmanThis statement confirms the arrest of the individuals and the status of injuries and ongoing investigation.

The New York Police Department confirmed that two individuals were apprehended without incident and reported no injuries. Charges are pending, and the investigation into the security breach is ongoing. The building's observation deck was cleared as authorities responded to the situation, with an NYPD helicopter also dispatched to the scene.

Currently at the Empire State Building…you can watch on the city webcam.

— Angela NikolauNikolau informed her followers via Instagram story about their location during the stunt.

Nikolau and Beerkus later shared high-resolution images and videos of the stunt, the proposal, and the ring on Instagram, captioned simply: "Empire State Building, New York." Nikolau had also posted a video to her Instagram story during the stunt, informing followers, "Currently at the Empire State Building…you can watch on the city webcam."

Empire State Building, New York.

— Angela Nikolau and Ivan BeerkusThis was the caption accompanying their shared photos and videos of the stunt on Instagram.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.