Russian climbing influencers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus have been arrested after scaling New York City`s Empire State Building without permission and staging a marriage proposal at the top of its antenna.
Videos circulating on social media show the pair climbing the iconic skyscraper dressed in black before unfurling a banner that read, "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace." Beerkus then proposed to Nikolau high above the city.
New York authorities later arrested the couple.
They face felony charges including burglary, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief, along with misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass.
A spokesperson for the Empire State Building said the incident ended safely with assistance from the New York Police Department and confirmed that visitors, tenants and observation deck guests were never at risk.
Nikolau and Beerkus have built a global following by climbing some of the world`s tallest buildings without ropes or safety equipment, sharing their daring exploits with millions of followers online.
Nikolau, who grew up in a circus family and trained as a rhythmic gymnast, first gained attention for photographing herself on the rooftops of skyscrapers in Moscow.
She teamed up with Beerkus in 2016, and together they completed several high-profile climbs, including China`s Goldin Finance 117 tower and Malaysia`s Merdeka 118, the world`s second-tallest building.
Beerkus has also carried out solo climbs on landmarks including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Shanghai Tower and Shun Hing Square in Shenzhen.
The couple`s adventures have been featured in several documentaries, including the 2024 Netflix film Skywalkers: A Love Story.
Their engagement took place atop the Empire State Building on July 1.
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