Russian urban climbers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus stunned New York City after scaling the 1,454-foot spire of the Empire State Building, unfurling a peace banner and becoming engaged in one of the most daring public proposals ever witnessed.
The couple climbed to the top of the iconic skyscraper on Wednesday before displaying a black banner bearing the message: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” Moments later, Beerkus appeared to get down on one knee and propose to Nikolau, who accepted before the pair embraced and kissed high above Manhattan.
Videos and images of the breathtaking stunt quickly spread across social media, with many praising the couple’s bold display of love and their message of peace. Others, however, criticized the climb as reckless, pointing to the dangers involved and the risk posed to emergency responders who were dispatched to the scene. Online debate also focused on how the pair managed to access one of the world’s most secure landmarks.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) safely brought the couple down before arresting them. Authorities have charged them with multiple offences, including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass and criminal mischief, while investigations continue into how they breached the building’s security.
Nikolau and Beerkus are no strangers to high-risk climbs. The pair have built a global following through their gravity-defying adventures atop skyscrapers and landmarks across several countries, with their relationship and passion for urban climbing documented in the Netflix film Skywalkers: A Love Story.
While their dramatic proposal has captivated millions online, it has also reignited discussions about the growing trend of extreme urban climbing, with many questioning whether viral fame is worth the significant legal and safety risks.
