Quick Summary
Two social media influencers known for extreme “rooftopping” stunts broke into the Empire State Building on Wednesday, scaled past two locked security gates, and climbed roughly 1,450 feet to the top of the building’s antenna, where they unfurled a peace banner and got engaged. Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, who go by Ivan Beerkus online, were arrested and now face felony charges including burglary and reckless endangerment. The building’s radio antenna had to be powered down for safety before NYPD officers could reach them.
What Happened
The couple entered the Empire State Building as ordinary tourists the day before the stunt and hid inside after closing time, according to a law enforcement source. From there, they made their way to the 104th floor, cutting through two cable-secured locks to bypass restricted areas before climbing the building’s 200-foot broadcast spire, well above the public observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.
Around noon, onlookers on the street below spotted two figures dressed entirely in black, wearing masks, roughly 1,450 feet above Manhattan. They unfurled a banner reading, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” After about 30 minutes at the top, one of them began climbing down, then returned to the summit. Video captured what happened next: the man dropped to one knee, and the woman removed her mask before the two embraced and kissed as a news helicopter circled overhead.
The building’s broadcast antenna, which transmits radio signals powerful enough to cause harm at close range, had to be shut off for roughly 30 minutes before NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit could safely climb up in harnesses to bring the pair down. They were taken into custody shortly after descending.
Background
Police identified the pair as Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, both social media influencers with a history of scaling tall structures without ropes or safety equipment, a practice known as rooftopping. The couple is featured in a 2024 Netflix documentary titled “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” which Netflix describes as chronicling “daredevil influencers” who “risk their romance, freedom and lives to climb a mega-skyscraper.” Nikolau’s Instagram account features dozens of similar posts from atop buildings and towers around the world.
Prosecutors described the pair in court as social media influencers who deliberately engage in extreme risk-taking behavior, including breaking into restricted areas of commercial buildings and free-climbing skyscrapers, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Damage to a security door lock on the 104th floor was estimated at roughly $2,000.
Why It Matters
The stunt unfolded during what CNN described as a whirlwind summer for New York City, coming weeks after raucous celebrations for the Knicks’ first championship in 53 years, amid heightened NYPD presence for World Cup matches, and ahead of an expected high-profile Madison Square Garden wedding for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The building’s management emphasized in a statement that the incident was unauthorized and never put tenants or visitors in danger, while noting a legal alternative exists: couples can book a private proposal experience at the Empire State Building for $1,000.
Expert Analysis
Legal impact: Both Nikolau and Kuznetsov were arraigned Thursday on felony charges including burglary, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief, along with several misdemeanor counts. Their charges are not bail-eligible under New York law, and they were released under court supervision ahead of a court date set for August 24.
Security impact: The breach raises pointed questions about screening protocols at one of the country’s most heavily monitored tourist landmarks, particularly how two people carrying a large banner evaded security checks designed specifically to prevent large packages and unauthorized items from entering the building.
Cultural impact: The stunt fits a broader pattern of viral rooftopping content that has drawn both fascination and legal consequences for its practitioners, with Nikolau and Kuznetsov’s Netflix fame likely amplifying both public interest and scrutiny of the incident.
Statistics & Context
The Empire State Building stands 1,250 feet tall and is the sixth-tallest building in the United States. The couple’s felony charges are not eligible for bail under New York law. Their case is scheduled to return to court on August 24.
What’s Next
Nikolau and Kuznetsov remain under court supervision until their next scheduled appearance. Prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges related to the estimated $2,000 in property damage will be pursued separately. The incident is likely to renew scrutiny of security protocols at the landmark, though building management has not detailed what specific changes, if any, will follow.
FAQ
How did the couple get to the top of the Empire State Building?
They entered as tourists the day before and hid inside after closing, then made their way to the 104th floor, cutting through two locked security gates before climbing the building’s broadcast antenna.
Were they actually engaged, or was it staged?
Video from the scene shows Kuznetsov getting down on one knee and Nikolau removing her mask before the two embraced, appearing to depict a genuine proposal, though neither has publicly confirmed additional details.
What charges are they facing?
Both face felony charges including burglary, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief, along with misdemeanor charges including criminal trespass and possession of burglar’s tools.
Is this the first time they’ve done something like this?
No. The couple is known for “rooftopping,” climbing tall structures without safety equipment, and is featured in a 2024 Netflix documentary about their stunts.
Was anyone hurt during the incident?
No injuries were reported. Police said the building’s broadcast antenna was powered down as a precaution before officers climbed up to reach the pair.
Editorial Note: This article was prepared using publicly available information from international news organizations and official sources available at the time of publication. Facts may be updated as authorities release new information.
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