Couple arrested after climbing 433-metre Empire State Building for proposal

A couple has been arrested after scaling to the top of New York City's Empire State Building and getting engaged in a dramatic stunt that has drawn global attention.

Russian nationals Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Beerkus, 32, climbed to the summit of the iconic skyscraper, where they unfurled a large banner reading, "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace."

Moments later, Beerkus went down on one knee and appeared to propose to Nikolau, presenting her with a ring. The couple shared a kiss before beginning their descent.

The pair remained atop the 1,454-foot (443-metre) building for at least 10 minutes. Known for carrying out daring climbs on some of the world's tallest landmarks, Nikolau and Beerkus were also featured in the 2024 documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which follows their high-risk adventures.

According to the BBC, the New York Police Department (NYPD) arrested the pair after the incident. They face multiple charges, including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, trespass and disorderly conduct.

An Empire State Building spokesperson said the unauthorised climb did not put tenants, visitors or people on the observation deck below at risk.

"It is to be emphasized that the Empire State Building Observation Deck, atop the World's Most Famous Building in the center of New York City, does offer a practical way for the most memorable marriage proposals," the spokesperson said.

Preliminary investigations suggest the couple accessed the summit through a hatch on the building's 103rd floor, an area normally reserved for water tower maintenance. While the 102nd floor is open to visitors, the 103rd floor is off limits, and authorities are still investigating how the pair reached the restricted area.

Shortly after midday, the couple began climbing down the building's 200-foot telecommunications antenna. After reaching a lower platform, Beerkus again dropped to one knee, seemingly proposing once more before the pair embraced. Nikolau then removed her face mask and they kissed.

The climbers also documented the stunt on social media. Nikolau posted a video showing the view from the narrow platform, along with a photograph capturing the proposal.

The NYPD later released body camera footage showing an officer climbing a caged ladder to reach the pair.

"Hello, how you doing?" the officer is heard saying. "Can you just stay where you are? You can't be up here."

Nikolau responded by raising her arms and saying, "I'm OK."

When officers asked what language they spoke, Nikolau replied, "Russian."