A Russian couple known for their extreme rooftop adventures has sparked global attention after climbing to the top of the Empire State Building in New York and staging a dramatic wedding proposal. The couple, Vanya Beerkus and Angela Nikolau, were later arrested by the New York Police Department (NYPD).
The pair, famous on social media and featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, climbed the iconic skyscraper’s antenna spire, reaching nearly 1,454 feet above Manhattan. Wearing black outfits, they carried a giant banner promoting world peace.
The banner displayed the message: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” Their dangerous act quickly attracted public attention as aerial footage captured the couple standing high above the city.
During the climb, the moment became even more dramatic when Vanya Beerkus proposed to Angela Nikolau on a lower platform of the tower. He got down on one knee before the couple embraced and kissed. Angela was later seen admiring her ring and taking photos for social media.
Authorities immediately closed nearby streets and safely took both into custody without injury. Police later charged them with several offences, including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal trespassing, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct.
Officials are still investigating how the couple gained access to the restricted area of the building, which has maintained strict security since the 2001 World Trade Center attacks.
An Empire State Building spokesperson called it an unauthorized stunt and jokingly mentioned that the couple could have used the building’s official proposal package instead.
Angela’s father, a Russian circus artist, defended the act and said climbing rooftops is normal in their family, adding that he was not worried about her arrest.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns about security and public safety at major landmarks.
