A dramatic proposal high above New York ended with police custody after a daredevil couple reportedly climbed onto the Empire State Building’s antenna.
The incident happened on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the landmark skyscraper in Manhattan. The two climbers have been identified in reports as Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, also known publicly as Ivan Beerkus.
According to reports, the pair reached the restricted antenna area of the Empire State Building, which stands around 1,454 feet high including its antenna. While at the top, they unfurled a banner carrying a peace-themed message.
The stunt then appeared to turn into a marriage proposal, with Kuznetsov reportedly proposing to Nikolau before the pair made their way down.
Police later took both individuals into custody. Reported charges include burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and criminal trespass. Authorities are also investigating how the pair managed to access the restricted area.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
Nikolau and Kuznetsov are known for extreme “rooftopping” climbs and were previously featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which followed their risky climbs, including a climb connected to Malaysia’s Merdeka 118 tower.
While the images from the top of the New York skyline quickly drew attention online, the case is now being treated as a serious security and safety matter by authorities.
For many, it was a proposal with one of the world’s most famous views. For the couple, it has also brought serious legal consequences.
