Couple Arrested After Climbing Empire State Building, Staging Marriage Proposal
Couples were arrested on Wednesday after allegedly bypassing security measures to climb to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City, where they staged a dramatic marriage proposal before being taken into custody.
The pair, identified as Russian rooftop climbers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, reportedly scaled the 1,454-foot (443-metre) landmark while dressed in black clothing with their faces covered.
After reaching the building’s spire, they unfurled a large banner bearing the message: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
The incident prompted a security response, with the New York Police Department deploying a helicopter to the scene while the building’s observation deck was temporarily evacuated.
An NYPD spokesperson confirmed that both individuals were taken into custody without incident.
“Two individuals were taken into custody without incident. There are no injuries reported. Charges are pending, and the investigation is ongoing,” the spokesperson said.
Videos circulating on social media showed Beerkus dropping to one knee to propose to Nikolau at the top of the iconic skyscraper before the couple embraced and kissed.
Footage later showed Nikolau displaying what appeared to be an engagement ring.
The couple also shared photographs of the proposal and the building’s summit on Instagram, captioning the post: “Empire State Building, New York.”
In a separate Instagram story posted while the climb was underway, Nikolau told her followers she was at the Empire State Building and encouraged them to watch the scene through the city’s public webcam.
Authorities have not yet announced the specific charges the pair will face.
Couple Arrested After Climbing Empire State Building, Staging Marriage Proposal