A couple climbed the Empire State Building in New York City on Wednesday, July 1, turning the landmark’s antenna into a striking scene of love, peace, and engagement 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan.
Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, who goes by Ivan Beerkus on social media, reached the restricted antenna area around noon, police said. News helicopter footage showed the pair dressed in black and wearing masks as they stood on the narrow metal structure above the public observation areas, without visible safety tethers.
The couple unfurled a black banner with white lettering that read, “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” The message drew attention from people inside and around the building as police and news cameras monitored the climb from the air and from the landmark itself.
After showing the banner, the two began moving down the metal tower. Footage and reports showed Kuznetsov getting down on one knee on a lower platform before the couple embraced and kissed. Social media posts later showed close-up images of Nikolau’s ring, while police bodycam footage captured an off-camera voice saying, “We are engaged.”
Nikolau and Kuznetsov are known for high-altitude climbs and were featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” which followed their extreme rooftop climbs and relationship. Their Empire State Building climb placed that public image on one of New York’s most recognizable structures.
The NYPD later took the pair into custody. They faced charges including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, criminal tampering, disorderly conduct, possession of burglar’s tools, and violation of local law. The Empire State Building said the incident was unauthorized, but tenants, visitors, and observation deck guests were not in danger. No injuries were reported.
