Couple arrested after scaling top of Empire State Building

2 hours ago 9

Russian rooftoppers allegedly behind engagement stunt

Published Jul 01, 2026 • Last updated 19 minutes ago • 1 minute read

Two people climb on the spire of the Empire State Building in New York on July 1, 2026.

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A couple who scaled the Empire State Building, getting engaged in the process, was arrested by police on Wednesday.

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As a dangerous heat wave blanketed New York City, with local officials advising the public to seek indoor spaces with air conditioning, the masked daredevils somehow gained access to the area above the Manhattan landmark’s observation deck.

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The two climbed up the 1,454-foot building’s antenna to unfurl a banner that said: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”

According to NBC New York, the duo was there for about 30 minutes, tying the banner to the antenna before descending to a platform below, where one of them appeared to propose to the other by getting down on one knee.

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911 calls alerted cops to the stunt

They reportedly continued their descent about 10 minutes later.

Police began receiving 911 calls around noon, when people spotted the couple climbing the building’s antenna.

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

Russian rooftoppers behind stunt?

While police didn’t identify the duo, Russian rooftoppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, the stars of Netflix’s 2024 documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, appeared to confirm that they were behind the stunt by sharing images taken atop the Manhattan skyscraper on their Instagram accounts.

In one photo, Nikolau flashes what appears to be an engagement ring.

The couple is known for climbing skyscrapers around the world without harnesses or ropes.

It’s unclear how the pair reached the antenna, but the building appeared to be open during the stunt, NBC reported.

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