Couple arrested after scaling Empire State Building, unveiling peace banner and proposing marriage

Two social‑media daredevils scaled the Empire State Building’s antenna on Thursday, unfurled a banner that read “peace,” kissed, and announced an engagement before New York City police arrested them.

What happened

The pair, identified by several outlets as Russian‑born influencer Angela Nikolau and her partner Ivan Beerkus, reached the 102‑floor antenna of the iconic skyscraper sometime after sunrise. According to ABC7 New York, they hoisted a banner that read “peace” and, while still atop the structure, Beerkus proposed to Nikolau. The moment was captured on video that the couple later posted on Instagram, showing the couple embracing and kissing with the New York skyline in the background.

Gothamist reported that New York City Police Department officers responded to calls about a “suspicious activity” on the building’s spire and took the two into custody at the observation deck. The NYPD spokesperson confirmed that both individuals were charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct, standard charges for unauthorized access to a municipal property.

Spectrum News NY1 added that the banner was attached to the antenna using rope and that the climbers remained on the structure for roughly ten minutes before police arrived. The agency noted that the building’s security cameras captured the ascent, which began with the climbers using a ladder placed against the side of the tower.

While the core facts are consistent across reports, there are slight variations in emphasis. NBC New York framed the stunt as a “death‑defying proposal,” highlighting the romantic element, whereas NBC News focused on the peace message, describing the banner as a “peace banner” and noting the couple’s kiss. Both narratives agree that the duo was arrested without incident and escorted off the building.

Why it matters

The incident underscores several intersecting trends: the growing influence of social‑media personalities on public spaces, the challenges of securing world‑famous landmarks, and the legal line between performance art and unlawful trespass.

Empire State Building management has long coordinated with city officials to protect visitors and maintain the building’s reputation as a safe tourist destination. Unauthorized climbs threaten that reputation, potentially endangering both the participants and by‑standers on the ground. The NYPD’s swift response reflects a broader city policy of zero tolerance for stunts that could inspire copycats.

At the same time, the stunt illustrates how influencers leverage dramatic feats to generate viral content. Nikolau and Beerkus have previously posted videos of high‑altitude climbs, including a 2022 ascent of a Paris skyscraper, earning them a sizable following on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Their latest video, posted within hours of the arrest, already amassed hundreds of thousands of views, illustrating the commercial incentive that can drive risky behavior.

Legal scholars have noted that while the First Amendment protects expressive conduct, it does not shield actions that violate safety codes or municipal ordinances. In New York, trespassing on a municipal building is a misdemeanor, and the city’s building code explicitly prohibits unauthorized access to the exterior of skyscrapers. The charges filed against the couple are consistent with prior prosecutions of similar stunts, such as the 2021 rooftop protest on the Chrysler Building.

Reactions

The NYPD’s statement, as reported by Gothamist, emphasized that “public safety is our top priority” and that the department will continue to monitor “any attempts to unlawfully access city landmarks.” City officials, including the mayor’s office, have not issued a separate comment, but a spokesperson for the Empire State Building’s management team told Spectrum News NY1 that the building’s security protocols are being reviewed in light of the incident.

Public reaction on social media has been mixed. Some users praised the couple for delivering a “peaceful” message amid ongoing global tensions, while others criticized the stunt as reckless. A tweet highlighted by NBC New York read, “If you’re going to risk your life, at least don’t endanger the people below.” Conversely, a comment on the couple’s Instagram post, cited by ABC7 New York, called the proposal “the most romantic thing ever” and encouraged the duo to “keep doing what you love.”

Legal experts quoted by CBS News warned that repeat offenders could face harsher penalties, noting that “the city has a limited tolerance for stunts that jeopardize public safety, especially in high‑traffic tourist sites.”

What’s next

Both Nikolau and Beerkus are scheduled to appear before a Manhattan arraignment court later this week, where a judge will set bail and determine whether they will remain in custody pending trial. The exact amount of bail has not been disclosed.

If convicted of trespassing, the pair could face fines and a possible short‑term jail sentence, according to New York City misdemeanor statutes. Their legal team, which has not been publicly identified, is expected to argue that the act was “protected expressive conduct” and that the couple did not intend to cause harm.

Meanwhile, the Empire State Building’s management says it will upgrade its security measures, including adding more motion‑sensor cameras and increasing patrols around the antenna. The building’s spokesperson told Gothamist that “we are committed to ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the iconic views safely and without disruption.”

The case will likely become a reference point for future debates about the balance between artistic expression, influencer culture, and public safety in dense urban environments.