Two people climbed the 1,454-foot (443-445 meter) antenna spire of the Empire State Building in New York City around noon on July 1, 2026, and unfurled a large black banner that read: "When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace." [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
The climbers staged an elaborate marriage proposal atop the spire, with one person getting down on one knee and the other showing or photographing a ring before they kissed and hugged shortly after 12:30 p.m. [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Both were dressed in black, wore masks, and did not appear to use safety harnesses or tethers during their ascent and time on the antenna. [2, 3, 4, 5] The New York Police Department monitored the incident using a helicopter and drone. [2, 6]
After the proposal, the couple carefully climbed down and were taken into custody by officers who reached the scene just after 1 p.m. A police officer’s body camera caught him telling them, "Well, you can't be up here." An off-camera voice, believed to be one of the climbers, responded, "We are engaged." [4, 5, 6]
The arrested pair were identified as Russian climbers Ivan Beerkus (also known as Ivan Kuznetsov), 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33. They are known for scaling skyscrapers without ropes. Authorities charged them with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, trespassing, and disorderly conduct. [8, 5]
Investigators believe the couple accessed the antenna through a hatch on the building’s 103rd floor that is typically used for water tower maintenance. [5]
A tourist at the scene from Glasgow named Jonathan Roman said, "It's crazy — it's like being in the movies. ... probably more exciting than going up to the viewing platform for the second time." [4]
