Two Stunt Climbers Scale Empire State Building, Fly Peace Banner and Propose
A daredevil couple reached the 102‑story observation deck, unfurled a peace banner, kissed and announced an engagement before being arrested.
- Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus scaled the 102‑story Empire State Building and unfurled a peace banner.
- They kissed, proposed and were taken into custody by NYPD on trespassing charges.
- Officials warn the stunt endangered visitors; the building will review security protocols.
- The incident fuels debate over influencer stunts versus public safety.
Two thrill‑seekers made it to the very top of New York’s iconic Empire State Building on Saturday, unfurling a white peace banner, sharing a kiss and, according to on‑site observers, proposing to one another before police escorted them down and placed them under arrest.
What happened on the observation deck
According to NBC New York, the pair slipped past security checkpoints and ascended the building’s interior stairwell, emerging onto the 102nd‑floor observation deck where tourists gather for city views. CBS News confirmed that once on the platform the climbers displayed a large banner that read “peace” and held it aloft for onlookers.
BBC coverage added that the two stood together at the edge of the deck, embraced and kissed, a moment captured by several by‑standers who posted the footage to social media. ABC7 New York identified the stunt‑performers as Russian‑born influencer Angela Nikolau and her partner, Latvian‑born Ivan Beerkus, describing the duo as “daredevil” climbers who have previously performed high‑altitude feats.
Police responded within minutes, according to NBC News, and escorted the pair off the observation deck. Both were taken into custody and charged with trespassing, a misdemeanor under New York City law.
Core developments across outlets
The incident was first reported by NBC New York, which highlighted the security breach and the subsequent arrest. CBS added that the banner was part of a “peace” message, noting that the couple’s actions appeared choreographed for maximum visual impact. The BBC’s brief noted that the climbers’ ascent was “unauthorised” and that emergency responders were called to the scene.
ABC7 provided the most detailed personal background, stating that Nikolau and Beerkus have a large online following for extreme stunts and that the climb culminated in a public marriage proposal. The outlet reported that the couple announced their engagement while holding the banner, a detail echoed by NBC News, which described the moment as a “death‑defying proposal”.
All sources agree that the two were escorted down by NYPD officers and that the building’s management issued a statement condemning the intrusion, emphasizing the need to protect paying visitors and maintain safety protocols.
Why it matters
The Empire State Building, a 1,454‑foot landmark completed in 1931, draws more than four million visitors each year. Its observation decks are considered high‑security zones because of the sheer height, the volume of tourists and the building’s symbolic status. A breach of that security not only endangers the climbers but also creates a potential hazard for the public below.
Law‑enforcement officials say the incident underscores a growing trend of high‑profile stunts that test the limits of urban security. In recent years, other skyscrapers—including the One World Trade Center and the Chrysler Building—have been targeted by climbers seeking viral fame. Each breach forces the city to reassess access controls, surveillance and rapid‑response capabilities.
From a cultural perspective, the stunt taps into a broader appetite for spectacle on social media platforms. Influencers like Nikolau have built careers on daring feats, and the live‑streamed nature of the climb amplified its reach. Critics argue that such acts trivialize public safety, while supporters point to the “peace” message and the romantic proposal as evidence of a harmless, if audacious, expression of personal freedom.
Differing viewpoints and reactions
Police spokespeople, cited by NBC News, described the climb as “dangerous” and warned that “any unauthorized access to the observation deck puts both the individuals involved and the public at risk.” Building management, referenced in the NBC New York report, issued a statement that the incident “violated the safety protocols that protect millions of visitors each year.”
Conversely, several on‑lookers captured on video expressed admiration for the couple’s bravery. A tourist quoted by CBS News said, “It was amazing to see something so bold up there, and the banner was a nice touch.” Social‑media commentary, noted by the BBC, was split: some users praised the “peace” message, while others called for stricter penalties for trespassing.
Legal experts, referenced in the ABC7 piece, reminded readers that New York City’s trespassing law carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 15 days in jail for first‑time offenders. They cautioned that repeat offenses could lead to felony charges, especially when public safety is compromised.
What’s next
The two climbers now face a criminal trespassing citation and are expected to appear in Manhattan Criminal Court later this month, according to NBC News. Their legal representatives have not yet commented on whether they will contest the charges.
City officials have announced a review of security procedures at the Empire State Building. The NYPD’s Counter‑Terrorism Bureau, which assisted in the rapid removal of the climbers, will evaluate whether additional barriers, biometric checks or increased staffing are needed to deter future incursions.
Meanwhile, Nikolau and Beerkus have posted a brief video on their social channels confirming their engagement and thanking supporters for the outpouring of “love and peace”. Whether the stunt will boost their follower count or lead to a longer legal battle remains to be seen, but the incident has already sparked a citywide conversation about the balance between personal expression and public safety.