Couple Arrested After Climbing Empire State Building, Displaying Peace Banner

Two Russian climbers have been arrested after scaling the top of New York City’s Empire State Building, where they unfurled a peace banner and became engaged during the daring stunt.

Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Beerkus, 32, climbed to the summit of the iconic skyscraper and displayed a large banner reading: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”

Moments later, Beerkus proposed to Nikolau, dropping to one knee before presenting her with a ring. The pair embraced, kissed and remained atop the 1,454-foot building for about 10 minutes before beginning their descent.

The couple, known for scaling some of the world’s tallest structures, featured in the 2024 documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story.

New York authorities later arrested the pair, who now face multiple charges, including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, trespass and disorderly conduct.

Empire State Building officials said the unauthorised climb did not endanger visitors, tenants or staff, adding that the observation deck already provides a safe and popular location for marriage proposals.

Investigators believe the climbers accessed the building’s 200-foot telecommunications antenna through a maintenance hatch on the restricted 103rd floor, though it remains unclear how they reached the area from the public observation levels.

As they descended, Beerkus appeared to propose a second time on a lower platform before the couple embraced and kissed.

The pair also posted photos and videos from the summit on social media, showcasing panoramic views of New York City and footage of the proposal.

Body camera footage later showed police officers climbing a caged ladder to reach them.

“Hello, how you doing? Can you just stay where you are? You can’t be up here,” one officer was heard saying.

When asked what language they spoke, Nikolau replied, “Russian.”