What was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime marriage proposal has landed a couple in legal trouble after they allegedly climbed to the top of New York City’s iconic Empire State Building without permission.
Russian rooftoppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus were arrested on Wednesday after scaling the skyscraper’s broadcast antenna, nearly 1,454 feet above Manhattan, in what authorities described as a dangerous and unauthorized stunt. The couple now face several felony charges, including reckless endangerment and burglary.
According to prosecutors, Beerkus told police that he wanted to “do something special” for their engagement. After reaching the top of the building, the pair unfurled a large black banner carrying the message, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
Once the banner was displayed, the couple climbed down to a lower ledge, where Beerkus proposed to Nikolau. Photos later shared on social media showed the newly engaged couple celebrating high above the New York skyline, with Nikolau displaying her engagement ring against the breathtaking city backdrop.
The dramatic stunt quickly drew the attention of emergency services. Police reportedly had to wait around 30 minutes for the building’s broadcast antenna to be safely powered down before specially trained Emergency Services Unit officers began climbing the structure to reach the pair. Authorities said the rescue operation itself placed officers in danger, as they climbed more than 1,200 feet above the ground.
Investigators also alleged that the couple gained access to the building’s restricted 104th floor by breaking a security lock. The floor, which is closed to the public, provides access to the antenna. Visitors are normally only allowed up to the 102nd-floor observation deck.
The Empire State Building’s management described the climb as completely unauthorized and confirmed that the incident is under investigation.
The couple are no strangers to risky adventures. They became internationally known through the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which follows their daring climbs of skyscrapers and landmarks around the world. The film documented both their dangerous rooftop exploits and their growing relationship.
Following their arraignment in a New York court, Nikolau and Beerkus declined to discuss the charges in detail. However, when asked about the climb, Beerkus simply replied, “We believe in love.”
Their lawyer, Jason Krinsky, acknowledged the unusual nature of the proposal while defending his clients.
“What a way to propose—something you can only dream of,” he said, adding that the legal team will review the prosecution’s evidence before deciding on the next course of action.
Under New York’s bail laws, the couple were released without posting bail and are expected to return to court as the case moves forward.
While the proposal has sparked widespread discussion on social media, authorities insist that the unauthorized climb endangered not only the couple but also the emergency personnel who had to carry out the high-risk operation.
For many, the stunt may look like the ultimate romantic gesture. For law enforcement, however, it serves as a reminder that even the grandest expressions of love cannot come at the cost of public safety.
