Sky News was interrupted for a stunning breaking news update as presenter Mark Austin halted the programme to tell viewers about a wild stunt in New York City. Two daredevils had managed to scale to the top of the Empire State Building, which is 1,454 ft (443m) tall, revealing a banner that reads: "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace." The pair got engaged right at the top of the iconic skyscraper.
Live Coverage Disrupts Regular Programming
Austin told viewers: "Some breaking news from New York, and we can show you some pictures of a couple of protesters who have got to the top of the antennae on the top of the Empire State Building in New York. They have unfurled a banner. What are they protesting about? Well, it is something about the power of love... and why not?"
Fox News also suspended its regular broadcasting to provide a live helicopter stream of the duo, with one of them dropping to one knee at the antenna's base to propose to their partner in what proved to be an extravagant engagement stunt.
Public Reaction on Social Media
Audiences on both networks were left stunned by the scenes, with one posting on X: "The absolute anxiety of pulling out a ring 1,450 feet in the air. If she said no on top of that Empire State Building spire, it's a terrifyingly long walk down." Another commented: "They climbed the Empire State just to prove love beats the laws of physics? Bro, if your love needs a 1,454-foot antenna to be noticed, maybe just text her." Meanwhile, a third viewer declared: "Awesome, congratulations!"
Climbers Identified as Russian Stunt Performers
The climbers have now been revealed as Russian nationals Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, famed for their daring stunts around the world. The pair shot to fame in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story. Beerkus was the one who got down on one knee, and the pair shared a kiss before descending the building. They were on top of the building for at least 10 minutes and posted the stunt on social media.
Legal Consequences
The New York Police Department told the BBC that two individuals have been taken into custody. They face charges including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, trespass and disorderly conduct. A spokesperson for the building said the "unauthorized incident" hadn't been a threat to anybody on the observation deck. The spokesperson added: "It is to be emphasized that the Empire State Building Observation Deck, atop the World's Most Famous Building in the center of New York City, does offer a practical way for the most memorable marriage proposals."
