Russian daredevil couple Ivan Beerkus, 32, and Angela Nikolau, 33, are facing multiple charges after climbing to the top of the Empire State Building, which stands 1,454 feet tall, for a marriage proposal. Their death-defying stunt was broadcast live on US television on July 1, 2026, which was July 2 in the Philippines.
Stunt Details and Arrest
The pair, both dressed in black clothing and face masks, carried a banner that read, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” They unfurled the banner before Beerkus got down on one knee and proposed to his longtime partner. After completing the 10-minute stunt, which ended with a kiss, they complied with orders from the New York Police Department (NYPD) to come down from the building. Both are now in NYPD custody.
Background and Charges
Beerkus and Nikolau are known for scaling some of the world’s tallest buildings and were featured in the Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” released in July 2024. The specific charges against them have not been detailed, but they are expected to face legal proceedings related to trespassing and public endangerment.
According to the NYPD, the couple's unauthorized climb prompted a swift response, and they were taken into custody without incident. The Empire State Building management has not commented on the incident.
