A marriage proposal on top of one of the world's most famous skyscrapers may sound like a scene from a movie. But for Russian urban climbers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, it ended with handcuffs instead of a happy ending.
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On July 1, the couple illegally climbed the antenna spire of New York City's Empire State Building, reaching a height of about 1,454 feet (443 metres) above street level. Wearing black clothing and no visible safety equipment, they made their way to the restricted section of the landmark before unfurling a large black banner that read: "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace." Shortly afterwards, Kuznetsov got down on one knee and proposed to Nikolau. She accepted, and they hugged while suspended high above Manhattan.
The stunt attracted the attention of police and emergency services. New York police department officers, including members of the Emergency Service Unit, climbed to the top of the structure and escorted the couple down. They were arrested without incident and later faced multiple charges, including burglary, criminal trespass and reckless endangerment. Investigators are still examining how they managed to enter the building's restricted maintenance areas despite extensive security measures.
