Duo Arrested, Charged After Scaling Empire State Building Spire With Pro-Peace Banner; Man Proposed During Descent
E 34th St & 5th Ave, Flatiron District, Manhattan
Published · Updated
Watch Live Videos
Download Citizen
Summary
- Two people who scaled the Empire State Building and unfurled a banner from its spire on Wednesday afternoon have been identified and charged, the NYPD says.
- Police identified them as Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33, both of East Orange, New Jersey. Each was charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, possession of burglar's tools, criminal tampering, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, and violation of a local law.
- Videos from multiple Citizen users showed a black banner hanging from the spire earlier in the day. Multiple outlets reported the banner read, "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace." As the pair descended, the man was seen getting down on one knee in an apparent proposal. The woman reportedly said yes.
- Nikolau and Kuznetsov—who goes by Ivan Beerkus—are Russian daredevil climbers known internationally for scaling skyscrapers with little safety equipment, and were the subject of the 2024 Netflix documentary "Skywalkers: A Love Story." Nikolau, who has more than a million social media followers, posted video revealing herself as the mastermind and invited followers to watch on city cameras.
- A heavy NYPD presence responded, with helicopters hovering over the scene. The banner was removed and both climbers were taken into custody. Police believe the pair entered through a locked maintenance hatch on the 102nd floor; it remains unclear how they climbed the spire itself.
Timeline
Both of the individuals live in East Orange, New Jersey.
Ivan Kuznetsov, a 32-year-old man, and Angelina Nikolau, a 33-year-old woman, have both been charged with Burglary, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Mischief, Violation of Local Law, Possession of Burglar's Tools, Criminal Tampering, Criminal Trespass, and Disorderly Conduct, the NYPD said.
The NYPD announced charges for the two Empire State Building climbers and identified them.
The NYPD has confirmed via a press release that both individuals were taken into custody. Charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing.
Multiple news sources are reporting that a proposal occurred as the duo descended from the spire.
Media personnel are now on scene, per user video.
New user video shows a heavy NYPD presence outside the Empire State Building, as a portion of 5th Avenue is cordoned off with barricades and yellow tape.
According to local source @NYC_Alerts911, both individuals have been taken into police custody.
Live user footage shows that the banner has now been taken down. However, people were still seen at the top of the building as a helicopter hovers nearby.
Notify NYC has issued the following alert on X (formerly Twitter) - "Expect road closures & emergency personnel near 5th Avenue & West 34th Street in Manhattan. Avoid the area."
New user video shows NYPD Emergency Service (ESU) personnel on scene as a crowd gathers on the sidewalk.
Additional user video shows a helicopter flying near the top of the Empire State Building. It is unclear if it is police or a news copter.
NBC 4 New York reports the banner has white lettering that read with the following message - "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace".
NBC 4 New York has also corroborated that two people have climbed the Empire State Building and unravelled a black banner.
Two possible workers in safety gear were seen atop the spire in the latest Citizen user video.
Citizen is working to obtain more information regarding this incident.
The address reported for this incident has changed to E 34th St & 5th Ave.
Citizen user video shows a person with a banner on top of a building. If you have any information, go live or comment below to share real-time updates.
According to a Citizen user, individuals were seen on a building spire displaying a banner.
This alert was created by a community member. Citizen is working to gather more information. If you’re nearby, broadcast live or comment to share updates.
Both of the individuals live in East Orange, New Jersey.
Ivan Kuznetsov, a 32-year-old man, and Angelina Nikolau, a 33-year-old woman, have both been charged with Burglary, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Mischief, Violation of Local Law, Possession of Burglar's Tools, Criminal Tampering, Criminal Trespass, and Disorderly Conduct, the NYPD said.
The NYPD announced charges for the two Empire State Building climbers and identified them.
The NYPD has confirmed via a press release that both individuals were taken into custody. Charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing.
Multiple news sources are reporting that a proposal occurred as the duo descended from the spire.
Media personnel are now on scene, per user video.
New user video shows a heavy NYPD presence outside the Empire State Building, as a portion of 5th Avenue is cordoned off with barricades and yellow tape.
According to local source @NYC_Alerts911, both individuals have been taken into police custody.
Live user footage shows that the banner has now been taken down. However, people were still seen at the top of the building as a helicopter hovers nearby.
Notify NYC has issued the following alert on X (formerly Twitter) - "Expect road closures & emergency personnel near 5th Avenue & West 34th Street in Manhattan. Avoid the area."
New user video shows NYPD Emergency Service (ESU) personnel on scene as a crowd gathers on the sidewalk.
Additional user video shows a helicopter flying near the top of the Empire State Building. It is unclear if it is police or a news copter.
NBC 4 New York reports the banner has white lettering that read with the following message - "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace".
NBC 4 New York has also corroborated that two people have climbed the Empire State Building and unravelled a black banner.
Two possible workers in safety gear were seen atop the spire in the latest Citizen user video.
Citizen is working to obtain more information regarding this incident.
The address reported for this incident has changed to E 34th St & 5th Ave.
Citizen user video shows a person with a banner on top of a building. If you have any information, go live or comment below to share real-time updates.
According to a Citizen user, individuals were seen on a building spire displaying a banner.
This alert was created by a community member. Citizen is working to gather more information. If you’re nearby, broadcast live or comment to share updates.
Both of the individuals live in East Orange, New Jersey.
Ivan Kuznetsov, a 32-year-old man, and Angelina Nikolau, a 33-year-old woman, have both been charged with Burglary, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Mischief, Violation of Local Law, Possession of Burglar's Tools, Criminal Tampering, Criminal Trespass, and Disorderly Conduct, the NYPD said.
The NYPD announced charges for the two Empire State Building climbers and identified them.
The NYPD has confirmed via a press release that both individuals were taken into custody. Charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing.
Multiple news sources are reporting that a proposal occurred as the duo descended from the spire.
Media personnel are now on scene, per user video.
New user video shows a heavy NYPD presence outside the Empire State Building, as a portion of 5th Avenue is cordoned off with barricades and yellow tape.
According to local source @NYC_Alerts911, both individuals have been taken into police custody.
Live user footage shows that the banner has now been taken down. However, people were still seen at the top of the building as a helicopter hovers nearby.
Notify NYC has issued the following alert on X (formerly Twitter) - "Expect road closures & emergency personnel near 5th Avenue & West 34th Street in Manhattan. Avoid the area."
New user video shows NYPD Emergency Service (ESU) personnel on scene as a crowd gathers on the sidewalk.
Additional user video shows a helicopter flying near the top of the Empire State Building. It is unclear if it is police or a news copter.
NBC 4 New York reports the banner has white lettering that read with the following message - "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace".
NBC 4 New York has also corroborated that two people have climbed the Empire State Building and unravelled a black banner.
Two possible workers in safety gear were seen atop the spire in the latest Citizen user video.
Citizen is working to obtain more information regarding this incident.
The address reported for this incident has changed to E 34th St & 5th Ave.
Citizen user video shows a person with a banner on top of a building. If you have any information, go live or comment below to share real-time updates.
According to a Citizen user, individuals were seen on a building spire displaying a banner.
This alert was created by a community member. Citizen is working to gather more information. If you’re nearby, broadcast live or comment to share updates.
Both of the individuals live in East Orange, New Jersey.
Ivan Kuznetsov, a 32-year-old man, and Angelina Nikolau, a 33-year-old woman, have both been charged with Burglary, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Mischief, Violation of Local Law, Possession of Burglar's Tools, Criminal Tampering, Criminal Trespass, and Disorderly Conduct, the NYPD said.
The NYPD announced charges for the two Empire State Building climbers and identified them.
The NYPD has confirmed via a press release that both individuals were taken into custody. Charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing.
Multiple news sources are reporting that a proposal occurred as the duo descended from the spire.
Media personnel are now on scene, per user video.
New user video shows a heavy NYPD presence outside the Empire State Building, as a portion of 5th Avenue is cordoned off with barricades and yellow tape.
According to local source @NYC_Alerts911, both individuals have been taken into police custody.
Live user footage shows that the banner has now been taken down. However, people were still seen at the top of the building as a helicopter hovers nearby.
Notify NYC has issued the following alert on X (formerly Twitter) - "Expect road closures & emergency personnel near 5th Avenue & West 34th Street in Manhattan. Avoid the area."
New user video shows NYPD Emergency Service (ESU) personnel on scene as a crowd gathers on the sidewalk.
Additional user video shows a helicopter flying near the top of the Empire State Building. It is unclear if it is police or a news copter.
NBC 4 New York reports the banner has white lettering that read with the following message - "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace".
NBC 4 New York has also corroborated that two people have climbed the Empire State Building and unravelled a black banner.
Two possible workers in safety gear were seen atop the spire in the latest Citizen user video.
Citizen is working to obtain more information regarding this incident.
The address reported for this incident has changed to E 34th St & 5th Ave.
Citizen user video shows a person with a banner on top of a building. If you have any information, go live or comment below to share real-time updates.
According to a Citizen user, individuals were seen on a building spire displaying a banner.
This alert was created by a community member. Citizen is working to gather more information. If you’re nearby, broadcast live or comment to share updates.
Both of the individuals live in East Orange, New Jersey.
Ivan Kuznetsov, a 32-year-old man, and Angelina Nikolau, a 33-year-old woman, have both been charged with Burglary, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Mischief, Violation of Local Law, Possession of Burglar's Tools, Criminal Tampering, Criminal Trespass, and Disorderly Conduct, the NYPD said.
The NYPD announced charges for the two Empire State Building climbers and identified them.
The NYPD has confirmed via a press release that both individuals were taken into custody. Charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing.
Multiple news sources are reporting that a proposal occurred as the duo descended from the spire.
Media personnel are now on scene, per user video.
New user video shows a heavy NYPD presence outside the Empire State Building, as a portion of 5th Avenue is cordoned off with barricades and yellow tape.
According to local source @NYC_Alerts911, both individuals have been taken into police custody.
Live user footage shows that the banner has now been taken down. However, people were still seen at the top of the building as a helicopter hovers nearby.
Notify NYC has issued the following alert on X (formerly Twitter) - "Expect road closures & emergency personnel near 5th Avenue & West 34th Street in Manhattan. Avoid the area."
New user video shows NYPD Emergency Service (ESU) personnel on scene as a crowd gathers on the sidewalk.
Additional user video shows a helicopter flying near the top of the Empire State Building. It is unclear if it is police or a news copter.
NBC 4 New York reports the banner has white lettering that read with the following message - "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace".
NBC 4 New York has also corroborated that two people have climbed the Empire State Building and unravelled a black banner.
Two possible workers in safety gear were seen atop the spire in the latest Citizen user video.
Citizen is working to obtain more information regarding this incident.
The address reported for this incident has changed to E 34th St & 5th Ave.
Citizen user video shows a person with a banner on top of a building. If you have any information, go live or comment below to share real-time updates.
According to a Citizen user, individuals were seen on a building spire displaying a banner.
This alert was created by a community member. Citizen is working to gather more information. If you’re nearby, broadcast live or comment to share updates.
Stay up-to-date
Download CitizenComments30
They do this, this is their thing. They’ve been arrested before and know the consequences. It’s about getting that message seen. It could also be seen as a metaphor for not letting parameters of legality stop you from doing what’s right. Legality does not equal ethics.
@sandiegoUser2082768006 Doing what’s right? 🤔 I dunno about that. Per Angelina Nikolau’s father… he told ABC News that the couple was actually already married and that the stunt was just another choreographed “performance” for their audience, ie it was a fake proposal manufactured for their social media business… which makes money by receiving a lot of views. A fake scenario played out for money, plus they knew they’d get arrested and they had to know that would also divide people here… it just seems to conflict with the message on that banner (which by itself is obviously a good message 💙🕊️). Doesn’t any of that bother you guys, if you know that this is their thing?
They will get 30 years while the murderers get probation. That was dumb as hell. Glad they made it down safely
All them charges and they won’t get the pedos in the city
@tungtungtungsanyc ^
I’m so glad she said yes!! The world needs love like theirs right now ❤️❤️
This is exactly what they were trying to do, to show love can be the most powerful thing ever by bringing joy and happiness to others ultimately leading to peace!!! I think this is so awesome and heartwarming!!!! Good for th3m I wish them nothing but the best!!! Also I hope s9meone knows their inmate numbers i wanna put some money on their books, if they are being held....
They do this, this is their thing. They’ve been arrested before and know the consequences. It’s about getting that message seen. It could also be seen as a metaphor for not letting parameters of legality stop you from doing what’s right. Legality does not equal ethics.
@sandiegoUser2082768006 Doing what’s right? 🤔 I dunno about that. Per Angelina Nikolau’s father… he told ABC News that the couple was actually already married and that the stunt was just another choreographed “performance” for their audience, ie it was a fake proposal manufactured for their social media business… which makes money by receiving a lot of views. A fake scenario played out for money, plus they knew they’d get arrested and they had to know that would also divide people here… it just seems to conflict with the message on that banner (which by itself is obviously a good message 💙🕊️). Doesn’t any of that bother you guys, if you know that this is their thing?
They will get 30 years while the murderers get probation. That was dumb as hell. Glad they made it down safely
All them charges and they won’t get the pedos in the city
@tungtungtungsanyc ^
I’m so glad she said yes!! The world needs love like theirs right now ❤️❤️
This is exactly what they were trying to do, to show love can be the most powerful thing ever by bringing joy and happiness to others ultimately leading to peace!!! I think this is so awesome and heartwarming!!!! Good for th3m I wish them nothing but the best!!! Also I hope s9meone knows their inmate numbers i wanna put some money on their books, if they are being held....
They do this, this is their thing. They’ve been arrested before and know the consequences. It’s about getting that message seen. It could also be seen as a metaphor for not letting parameters of legality stop you from doing what’s right. Legality does not equal ethics.
@sandiegoUser2082768006 Doing what’s right? 🤔 I dunno about that. Per Angelina Nikolau’s father… he told ABC News that the couple was actually already married and that the stunt was just another choreographed “performance” for their audience, ie it was a fake proposal manufactured for their social media business… which makes money by receiving a lot of views. A fake scenario played out for money, plus they knew they’d get arrested and they had to know that would also divide people here… it just seems to conflict with the message on that banner (which by itself is obviously a good message 💙🕊️). Doesn’t any of that bother you guys, if you know that this is their thing?
They will get 30 years while the murderers get probation. That was dumb as hell. Glad they made it down safely
All them charges and they won’t get the pedos in the city
@tungtungtungsanyc ^
I’m so glad she said yes!! The world needs love like theirs right now ❤️❤️
This is exactly what they were trying to do, to show love can be the most powerful thing ever by bringing joy and happiness to others ultimately leading to peace!!! I think this is so awesome and heartwarming!!!! Good for th3m I wish them nothing but the best!!! Also I hope s9meone knows their inmate numbers i wanna put some money on their books, if they are being held....
They do this, this is their thing. They’ve been arrested before and know the consequences. It’s about getting that message seen. It could also be seen as a metaphor for not letting parameters of legality stop you from doing what’s right. Legality does not equal ethics.
@sandiegoUser2082768006 Doing what’s right? 🤔 I dunno about that. Per Angelina Nikolau’s father… he told ABC News that the couple was actually already married and that the stunt was just another choreographed “performance” for their audience, ie it was a fake proposal manufactured for their social media business… which makes money by receiving a lot of views. A fake scenario played out for money, plus they knew they’d get arrested and they had to know that would also divide people here… it just seems to conflict with the message on that banner (which by itself is obviously a good message 💙🕊️). Doesn’t any of that bother you guys, if you know that this is their thing?
They will get 30 years while the murderers get probation. That was dumb as hell. Glad they made it down safely
All them charges and they won’t get the pedos in the city
@tungtungtungsanyc ^
I’m so glad she said yes!! The world needs love like theirs right now ❤️❤️
This is exactly what they were trying to do, to show love can be the most powerful thing ever by bringing joy and happiness to others ultimately leading to peace!!! I think this is so awesome and heartwarming!!!! Good for th3m I wish them nothing but the best!!! Also I hope s9meone knows their inmate numbers i wanna put some money on their books, if they are being held....
Stay informed on local incidents
Download Citizen
They do this, this is their thing. They’ve been arrested before and know the consequences. It’s about getting that message seen. It could also be seen as a metaphor for not letting parameters of legality stop you from doing what’s right. Legality does not equal ethics.
@sandiegoUser2082768006 Doing what’s right? 🤔 I dunno about that. Per Angelina Nikolau’s father… he told ABC News that the couple was actually already married and that the stunt was just another choreographed “performance” for their audience, ie it was a fake proposal manufactured for their social media business… which makes money by receiving a lot of views. A fake scenario played out for money, plus they knew they’d get arrested and they had to know that would also divide people here… it just seems to conflict with the message on that banner (which by itself is obviously a good message 💙🕊️). Doesn’t any of that bother you guys, if you know that this is their thing?
They will get 30 years while the murderers get probation. That was dumb as hell. Glad they made it down safely
All them charges and they won’t get the pedos in the city
@tungtungtungsanyc ^
I’m so glad she said yes!! The world needs love like theirs right now ❤️❤️
This is exactly what they were trying to do, to show love can be the most powerful thing ever by bringing joy and happiness to others ultimately leading to peace!!! I think this is so awesome and heartwarming!!!! Good for th3m I wish them nothing but the best!!! Also I hope s9meone knows their inmate numbers i wanna put some money on their books, if they are being held....