Two people were arrested following an apparent marriage proposal atop the Empire State Building’s spire on Wednesday, after they climbed to the very pinnacle of the New York City landmark – well above the level open to the public.
The two people were identified as Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, two Russian “rooftoppers” who have conducted similar stunts in other cities including Tianjin, China, and Los Angeles. They were both wearing black clothing and appeared to be masked as they unfurled a large, black banner at the top of the skyscraper with the words: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
It remained unclear how the pair made their way up the final stages of the building, which towers above midtown Manhattan at a height of 1,454ft (443 metres). Local media outlets reported a New York police department (NYPD) drone in the air, in addition to an NYPD helicopter near the scene monitoring the breathtaking stunt.
Shortly after 12.30pm, the two climbed down to a slightly lower platform on the structure that holds the antenna atop the building. One person then got down on one knee, and after what appeared to be a proposal from a man to a woman, the two people hugged and kissed.
Body-camera footage released by NYPD on Wednesday afternoon showed police apprehending the pair.
“You can’t be up here,” an officer says.
In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, the NYPD said: “On Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at approximately 1200 hours, two unknown individuals were observed on the antenna of the Empire State Building located 20 West 34 Street, within the confines of Midtown South Precinct. NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit responded.
“Two individuals were taken into custody without incident. There are no reported injuries. Charges are pending, and the investigation remains ongoing,” the statement added.
CBS News later reported the charges include burglary, criminal trespass and reckless endangerment.
In a story posted on Instagram and featuring a video apparently taken at the top of the skyscraper, Nikolau wrote: “Currently at the Empire State Building[,] you can watch on the city webcam.”
Around 1pm ET on Wednesday, Nikolau posted a series of photos appearing to show her atop the spire, including images of the apparent proposal and what appears to be an engagement ring on her hand.
Another photo appeared to show her hand clasped with what appeared to be Beerkus’s against a backdrop of the city far below.
Both Nikolau’s and Beerkus’s social media pages feature dozens of photos and videos showing the pair standing on high rises and bridges around the world.
The NYPD recovered the banner, ABC reported.
Reuters contributed reporting
