Empire State Building – Climbers Face Charges After Spire Stunt
Empire State Building – Two New Jersey residents are in police custody after allegedly bypassing security at the Empire State Building and climbing to the top of its spire, where they displayed a banner and appeared to become engaged. The incident took place around midday on Wednesday and prompted a major emergency response at one of New York City’s most recognisable landmarks.
Emergency officers escort pair down from the spire
Police identified the two individuals as Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, who is known online as Ivan Beerkus. Both were wearing masks when officers reached them near the top of the building, according to reports cited by CNN.
Emergency Service Unit officers climbed four ladders to reach the pair, who were then brought down safely. Authorities said the arrest was made without any reported injuries or confrontation. The climbers had reportedly gained access to an area that is not open to visitors.
The banner displayed by the pair carried a message calling for peace: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” Images shared online also suggested that the couple became engaged during the stunt.
Police file multiple charges in the case
Officials said the two suspects are facing a number of charges linked to the alleged security breach. These include burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal tampering and criminal trespass, along with other counts.
Under New York law, a burglary charge can apply when someone enters or remains inside a building with the intention of committing an offence. The Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Public Information said the case remains under investigation as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigators are also trying to determine how the climbers reached a restricted section of the Empire State Building. The building is one of the most visited tourist sites in the United States, and its upper areas are closely controlled for public safety reasons.
Social media posts draw attention to high-risk climbing
Nikolau later shared photographs from the incident on Instagram, including an image of an engagement ring against the New York skyline. Her social media profile features several posts showing her and Kuznetsov at the tops of skyscrapers and other elevated structures.
The couple has built an online following through videos and photographs of high-altitude climbs. Their past work was also featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which followed their relationship and their efforts to climb a major skyscraper.
Netflix did not comment on the Empire State Building incident, CNN reported. The episode quickly gained attention online, with many users raising concerns about safety, security and the possibility that similar acts could be attempted by others.
Authorities warn against copycat attempts
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said the incident placed police, city officials and the building’s management in a difficult position. Speaking to CNN, he said authorities would need to pursue appropriate legal action to discourage others from trying to repeat the stunt.
McCabe warned that allowing such incidents to become a trend could create serious risks for visitors, emergency personnel and those attempting the climb. He said the danger involved in scaling restricted parts of a skyscraper was clear and could eventually lead to a fatal accident.
The Empire State Building has long been a symbol of New York City and attracts millions of visitors each year. The latest incident has renewed questions about how restricted areas at major public landmarks can be protected while maintaining normal access for tourists.
Police have not released further details about how the pair allegedly entered the restricted zone. The investigation was continuing as the two suspects were processed at a local precinct.