PICTORIAL: Loverbirds Arrested After Scaling New York’s Skyscraper For Marriage Proposal

Two lovers were arrested on Wednesday after bypassing security protocols to climb the antenna at the very top of the iconic Empire State Building in New York City, where they staged a dramatic wedding proposal before being taken into federal custody.

The duo, identified as Russian roof-toppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, carried out the stunt while dressed in all-black clothing with their faces completely covered.

After scaling the peak of the 1,454-foot (443-metre) landmark, the couple unfurled a massive banner bearing the message, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”

The banner was later recovered, and an NYPD helicopter was dispatched to the scene, while the building’s observation deck was cleared of visitors as officers responded.

Confirming the incident, a New York Police Department spokesman told AFP, “Two individuals were taken into custody without incident. There are no injuries reported. Charges are pending, and the investigation is still ongoing.”

Viral videos from the scene captured the moment Beerkus dropped to one knee and proposed to Nikolau before the pair embraced and kissed at the extreme height. Nikolau was later seen taking close-up photos of her hand, apparently showing off an engagement ring.

The couple also confirmed the stunt by sharing a collaborative Instagram post on Wednesday featuring high-resolution images of the skyscraper’s peak, the proposal and the engagement ring, captioned, “Empire State Building, New York.”

In a separate video posted to her Instagram Story while the climb was underway, Nikolau told her followers, “Currently at the Empire State Building… you can watch on the city webcam.”

According to ABC News, Nikolau and Beerkus are well-known stunt artists who regularly share daring photographs and videos of themselves climbing skyscrapers and bridges around the world on social media.

While the Empire State Building’s observation deck welcomes millions of visitors each year, AFP reported that public access to any part of the structure above the deck, including the main transmitter antenna, is strictly prohibited.

Although there have been previous attempts to scale the landmark, it remains unclear how the pair gained access to the restricted antenna area.

The two were also featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which follows their relationship and high-risk climbing exploits.