Empire State Building Stunt: Russian Couple Arrested After Proposal Atop New York Skyscraper

New York Proposal: A couple who hit the headlines after climbing to the top of the Empire State Building spire, unfurling a peace banner and apparently getting engaged, was arrested for performing the daring stunt.

The New York City Police Department identified the pair as Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33, both residents of East Orange, New Jersey. The two are known on social media for climbing high-rise buildings without ropes or protective gear.

According to CBS News, citing law enforcement sources, the couple has been charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, criminal tampering, possession of burglar’s tools, disorderly conduct and violating local law.

The incident took place around noon

on Wednesday when the masked pair climbed onto the building’s spire, about 1,454 feet above the ground, without visible safety equipment. They unfurled a large black banner bearing the message: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace,” a quote widely attributed to Jimi Hendrix.

Moments later, the man got down on one knee and proposed. The woman accepted, and the couple embraced, kissed and celebrated the moment high above the city skyline. She was later seen taking a selfie while wearing what appeared to be an engagement ring.

The spectacle drew the attention of onlookers as well as authorities. According to reports, nearly 40 officers from the New York Police Department (NYPD) responded to the scene. The pair later appeared to remove the banner before climbing down to a lower platform.

Authorities believe the climbers reached the spire through a maintenance hatch on the building’s 103rd floor, though the exact circumstances of how they gained access remain under investigation.

The proposal quickly went viral on social media, with many praising the romantic gesture while others questioned how the climbers managed to reach one of New York City’s most recognisable landmarks.

One user on X wrote, “A couple just climbed to the top of the spire of the Empire State Building, held a banner that said ‘When the power of love is stronger than the love of power, the world will know peace,’ and then as they came down the dude proposed. Romance is alive and well.”