A couple breached security Wednesday and climbed to the top of the spire of the Empire State Building, where they unfurled a banner about 1,450 feet above New York City and appeared to stage a marriage proposal before being taken into police custody.
The security breach at one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks occurred around noon.
The incident came amid heightened security in New York following weeks of increased police presence after the New York Knicks’ first championship in 53 years prompted large, and at times destructive, celebrations. Authorities also have increased security ahead of FIFA World Cup-related events and the expected wedding celebration of pop star Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden.
The two climbers, who wore masks, were identified by a law enforcement official as Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov. Police took both into custody without incident.
The pair is expected to face multiple charges related to the incident, according to the official, who said the investigation remains ongoing.
Investigators later determined that Nikolau and Kuznetsov are well-known stunt performers. Authorities are still investigating how they gained access to a restricted area that is closed to the public.
The couple, who live in New Jersey, are facing charges including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal tampering, criminal trespass and other offenses, according to the NYPD Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information.
Angela Nikolau, 33, posted photos and videos of the climb on Instagram, including an image of her engagement ring with the New York skyline in the background.
Her climbing partner, Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, who also goes by Ivan Beerkus, appeared to propose during the stunt. The couple was featured in the Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story.”
Netflix declined to comment.
At the top of the building’s antenna Wednesday afternoon, the pair unfurled a banner reading: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
The video of the apparent proposal quickly spread across social media. “The last thing that people who are responsible for the Empire State Building want is to turn this place into a target for that sort of activity, because ultimately it will end in some sort of tragedy,” McCabe said. “The danger here, the recklessness, is obvious and can’t be overstated.”
Authorities have not said how the pair gained access to the top of the 1,454-foot landmark. The Empire State Building’s antenna carries broadcast signals for most of New York City’s local television and radio stations.
Despite extensive security, New York’s skyscrapers have long attracted trespassing climbers seeking high-profile stunts.