Overview
- Two social‑media known rooftoppers, identified by police as Ivan Kuznetsov (also Ivan Beerkus), 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33, climbed the Empire State Building antenna and unfurled a black banner before descending and being taken into custody by NYPD Emergency Service Unit officers following a midday stunt on Wednesday.
- Video and the climbers’ own posts show one partner appearing to propose on a lower platform and the pair posting images of an engagement ring to their accounts while authorities recovered the banner that read “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
- They were arraigned in Manhattan criminal court on charges that include burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, possession of burglar’s tools, criminal tampering, disorderly conduct and violation of local law and were released on supervised release with a return date set for August 24.
- Investigators say preliminary law‑enforcement reporting indicates the climbers likely used an upper‑floor maintenance hatch — cited in reports as the 103rd (or 104th) floor — and may have hidden inside the building overnight, prompting building officials and police to review security and inspect tower equipment.
- The incident highlights the risks of ‘rooftopping’ for public safety and broadcast operations, recalls the couple’s 2024 Netflix profile, and has officials emphasizing prosecution and deterrence to prevent copycat climbs.