Two lovers were arrested on Wednesday after bypassing security protocols to climb the antenna at the very top of the iconic Empire State Building in New York City, where they staged a dramatic wedding proposal before being taken into federal custody.
The duo, identified as Russian roof-toppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, carried out the stunt while dressed in all-black clothing with their faces completely covered.
After scaling the peak of the 1,454-foot (443-metre) landmark, the couple unfurled a massive banner bearing a message about love triumphing over the pursuit of power as a path to world peace.
The banner was later recovered, and an NYPD helicopter was dispatched to the scene, while the building’s observation deck was cleared of visitors as officers responded.
Confirming the incident, a New York Police Department spokesman said the two individuals were taken into custody without incident, noting that no injuries were reported and that charges remained pending as the investigation continued.
Viral videos from the scene captured the moment Beerkus dropped to one knee and proposed to Nikolau, after which the pair embraced and kissed at the extreme height.
Nikolau was later seen taking close-up photos of her hand, apparently showing off an engagement ring.
The couple also confirmed the stunt by sharing a collaborative social media post on Wednesday featuring high-resolution images of the skyscraper’s peak, the proposal and the engagement ring.
In a separate video posted to her social media story while the climb was underway, Nikolau told her followers she was currently at the Empire State Building and that people could watch via the city’s webcam.
According to reports, Nikolau and Beerkus are well-known stunt artists who regularly share daring photographs and videos of themselves climbing skyscrapers and bridges around the world on social media.
While the Empire State Building’s observation deck welcomes millions of visitors each year, public access to any part of the structure above the deck, including the main transmitter antenna, is strictly prohibited.
Although there have been previous attempts to scale the landmark, it remains unclear how the pair gained access to the restricted antenna area.
The two were also featured in a 2024 documentary that follows their relationship and high-risk climbing exploits.
VIDEO: Loverbirds Arrested After Scaling New York’s Skyscraper For Marriage Proposal
Two lovers were arrested on Wednesday after bypassing security protocols to climb the antenna at the very top of the iconic Empire State Building in New York City, where they staged a dramatic… pic.twitter.com/WB9sFQtGdZ
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