Russian daredevils climb Empire State Building for love stunt and proposal
Consensus Summary
On July 1, 2026, two Russian daredevils, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, scaled the Empire State Building’s 443-meter antenna without tethers, unfurled a banner about 'the power of love', and staged a public marriage proposal. The stunt, captured by NYPD drones and helicopters, drew crowds and closed streets near 5th Avenue. Both were arrested after descending, with no injuries reported. The pair, known for high-risk 'rooftopping' stunts and featured in the 2024 documentary *Skywalkers: A Love Story*, have previously climbed landmarks in Tianjin and Los Angeles. While building management called the episode unauthorized, they confirmed no danger was posed. Security details, such as how the climbers bypassed restrictions, remain unclear, as does the method of their ascent. The stunt sparked public fascination, with onlookers comparing it to a movie scene.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Two people (later identified as Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus) climbed the Empire State Building’s antenna (443 meters high) without tethers on July 1, 2026, unfurled a banner reading 'When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace', and performed a public marriage proposal.
- The climbers were arrested by NYPD around 1:00 PM local time on July 1, 2026, after descending the building.
- No injuries were reported during the stunt, and the Empire State Building management confirmed the episode was 'unauthorised' but posed no danger to anyone in the building.
- The climbers were featured in the 2024 documentary *Skywalkers: A Love Story* and have conducted similar stunts in cities including Tianjin (China) and Los Angeles.
- The Empire State Building’s antenna rises well above public areas (1,454 feet / 443 meters total height), and it was unclear how the pair accessed it.
- NYPD used a drone and helicopter to monitor the stunt, and street closures were expected near 5th Avenue and 34th Street in Manhattan.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The climbers were dressed in black and wore masks during the ascent.
- One climber set up electronic equipment on a ledge before the proposal.
- Angela Nikolau’s father, Russian circus artist Dmitriy Nikolau, was aware of the stunt and said, 'Why should I be worried? I climb up roofs myself.'
- The stunt was described as 'rooftopping', and the duo’s previous climbs included Tianjin and Los Angeles.
- A tourist from Glasgow, Jonathan Roman, said the stunt was 'like being in the movies' and more exciting than visiting the observation deck.
- An office worker, Jessica Kaplan, questioned how the pair bypassed security restrictions (e.g., no large packages, sports equipment, costumes, or masks).
- Actor Jared Leto was allowed to climb to the base of the antenna in 2023 for promotional purposes.
- The climbers posted real-time updates on Instagram, including a video from the top and photos of the engagement ring.
- Nikolau’s Instagram post included a message: 'Currently at the Empire State Building, you can watch on the city webcam.'
- The NYPD recovered the banner, and charges have yet to be announced as of the reporting time.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC states the climbers were arrested at approximately 1:00 PM local time, while the Guardian mentions 12:30 PM for the descent and proposal but does not specify arrest time precisely.
Source Articles
Russian daredevils climb Empire State Building to unfurl 'love' banner
Two Russian daredevils, Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus, claim to be the duo who scaled the 102-storey, 443-metre tower for an apparent show of love and a marriage proposal.
Two people who unfold banner atop Empire State Building arrested
In apparent marriage proposal stunt, sign displaying message of peace was seen atop the New York landmark Two people have been arrested following an apparent marriage proposal atop the Empire State Building’s spire on Wednesday, after they climbed to the very pinnacle of the iconic New York City landmark – well above the level open to the public. The two people, both wearing black clothing and who appeared to be masked, also unfurled a large black banner at the top of the iconic skyscraper with