Two Russian “rooftoppers” who appeared to stage a dramatic marriage proposal at the top of the Empire State Building’s spire were reportedly arraigned in New York City on Thursday. The pair, known for climbing tall buildings and sharing high-altitude photos and videos online, now face multiple charges connected to the unauthorized stunt.
Couple Arrested After High-Rise Stunt
Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov were arrested on Wednesday after climbing to the top of the Empire State Building’s spire.
During the stunt, the couple dressed entirely in black, unfurled a peace-themed banner and kissed at the top of the landmark. The scene appeared to be part of an engagement proposal, drawing major attention from onlookers, police and media.
First Night of Engagement Spent in Separate Cells
The pair reportedly spent the first night of their engagement in separate holding cells near New York City criminal court in lower Manhattan.
They were scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. EST on Thursday.
According to reports, the charges against them include burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, criminal tampering, disorderly conduct and possession of burglar’s tools.
Who Are Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov?
Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, are Russian nationals. Kuznetsov is also known publicly as Ivan Beerkus.
Records show that the couple share an address in New Jersey.
They are known figures in the world of “rooftopping,” an underground thrill-seeking activity in which climbers scale skyscrapers, towers and other tall structures to capture dramatic photos and videos or make bold public statements.
Massive Social Media Following
Both climbers have large social media audiences.
Kuznetsov’s Instagram account, @beerkus, has more than 500,000 followers. Nikolau’s account has an even larger audience, with around 1.8 million followers.
Their online popularity comes from their daring climbs and high-risk urban exploration content.
Peace Banner Unfurled at 1,454 Feet
After reaching the Empire State Building’s 1,454-foot, or 443-metre, summit around lunchtime on Wednesday, the pair displayed a large black banner.
The banner read: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
The couple have reportedly carried out similar high-altitude adventures in places including China and California.
Police Investigate How They Reached the Spire
Investigators are now trying to determine how Nikolau and Kuznetsov reached the final sections of the Empire State Building.
The landmark opened in 1931 as the world’s tallest building. It later became even more famous after appearing in the climax of the 1933 blockbuster film King Kong.
Because the spire is not open to the public, officials are examining how the pair managed to access such a restricted area.
NYPD Drone, Helicopter and Emergency Unit Responded
The stunt was monitored by a New York Police Department drone and helicopter.
Members of the NYPD’s elite Emergency Service Unit, which specializes in high-altitude rescues and dangerous operations, arrested the pair after the climb.
Their involvement highlights how seriously authorities treated the unauthorized ascent.
Empire State Building Responds
The owners of the Empire State Building released a statement after the incident.
They said couples looking for a memorable engagement should use safer and more traditional options available at the building.
The statement noted that the Empire State Building Observation Deck, located at the top of one of New York City’s most famous landmarks, offers a practical and memorable setting for marriage proposals.
Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov’s apparent engagement stunt at the top of the Empire State Building has turned into a serious legal matter. The Russian rooftoppers were arrested after climbing the landmark’s spire, unfurling a peace banner and kissing at the 1,454-foot summit.
They now face several charges, including burglary, reckless endangerment and criminal trespass. While the stunt drew global attention, officials are still investigating how the pair accessed the restricted area, and the building’s owners are reminding couples that the observation deck offers a safer way to propose.