Two people were arrested on Wednesday after climbing the Empire State Building's spire in New York City for an apparent marriage proposal, according to authorities. The pair, identified as Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, are Russian nationals known as 'rooftoppers' who have performed similar stunts in cities including Los Angeles and Tianjin, China.
Details of the Stunt
Dressed in black with their faces covered, the couple unfurled a large black banner bearing the words: 'When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.' The banner was displayed from the spire, which rises 1,454 feet (443 meters) above midtown Manhattan. It remains unclear how they accessed the uppermost section of the building, which is well above the area open to the public.
Arrest and Charges
The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed that charges were pending and the investigation remained ongoing. CBS News later reported that the pair face charges including burglary, criminal trespass, and reckless endangerment. The NYPD did not immediately comment on the specific charges.
Background of the Rooftoppers
Nikolau and Beerkus are well-known in the rooftopping community, a subculture that involves climbing tall structures without safety equipment. They have documented their stunts on social media, amassing significant followings. Previous climbs include the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre in China and various skyscrapers in Los Angeles.
Impact and Security Concerns
The incident has raised questions about security at one of New York City's most iconic landmarks. The Empire State Building attracts millions of visitors annually and has stringent security measures. It is unclear how the pair bypassed these measures to reach the spire. The NYPD is reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.
