In a daring act of love, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, a couple known for their adrenaline-fueled adventures, climbed the Empire State Building's antenna to show their commitment to each other. The pair unfurled a banner that read, "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace," at a height of 1,454 feet (443 meters) above midtown Manhattan. This stunt occurred on July 1, 2026, and ended with a marriage proposal on a lower ledge. The couple's adventure was captured in news helicopter footage, showcasing not just their romantic gesture, but the potential dangers involved in such reckless behavior.
The couple appeared in court for their arraignment, facing charges of felony reckless endangerment and burglary, among others. During the proceedings, Beerkus minimized the gravity of their actions by declaring to reporters, "We believe in love." The couple, who recently gained notoriety from a Netflix documentary titled Skywalkers: A Love Story, have built a reputation on climbing tall structures, often without authorization. Their exploits are not only captivating but have raised significant concerns about public safety.
The incident drew attention from the police, who monitored the climbers' ascent. According to authorities, the couple gained access to the restricted area by breaking a lock on a security door on the Empire State Building's 104th floor, which leads to the antenna. This area is off-limits to the general public, who can access only up to the 102nd floor where the observation deck is located. The facility has strict security protocols in place, prohibiting large items and certain types of clothing, emphasizing the outrageousness of the couple's actions.
Following the climb, police waited approximately thirty minutes to power down the antenna before sending the Emergency Services Unit to intervene. The climb posed a significant threat not only to the couple but also to law enforcement, who were compelled to ascend to such extreme heights to detain the climbers. The court complaint identified the duo formally as Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, illustrating a disconnect between their public personas and legal identities.
Despite the seriousness of their charges, Beerkus and Nikolau were released without bail, under New York regulations that limit bail in certain circumstances. Their attorney, Jason Krinsky, remarked on the unique nature of the proposal, stating, "What a way to propose — something you can only dream of." He acknowledged the creativity behind the stunt while also indicating plans to assess the evidence against his clients before deciding on next steps in their legal battle.
Historically, other daredevils have attempted similar climbs of the Empire State Building, often without permission. Nevertheless, Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau's ascent stands out, particularly because of its timing coinciding with the promotion of their Netflix documentary. In a prior instance, actor and musician Jared Leto received permission to climb to the base of the antenna from the 86th floor in 2023 as part of a promotional event, highlighting the stark contrast between authorized and unauthorized climbs.
The Empire State Building's management has publicly condemned the couple's actions, labeling their ascent as "unauthorized." However, they have not disclosed whether there had been any previous interactions between the climbers and security staff. Given the potential dangers, both to the couple and to emergency responders, the implications of their stunt extend beyond personal ambitions, raising critical questions about safety and security protocols at one of New York City's most iconic landmarks.
