Two Climbers Scale Empire State Building With Peace Banner, Proposal and Arrest Follow

For a few terrifying and romantic minutes on Wednesday afternoon, anyone looking toward the New York City skyline from a Hudson County window saw something remarkable: two tiny figures climbing the spire of the Empire State Building.

By the time the pair were climbing down at 12:40 p.m., they’d been spotted kissing, embracing, and one of them had even proposed to the other. They were carrying a banner that read, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”

But that romantic image ended in handcuffs. The two climbers — now identified as Russian nationals Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus — were taken into custody after the stunt on the 1,454-foot-tall building, according to multiple news reports. The observation deck had been cleared of spectators as the ascent unfolded.

The couple is no stranger to this kind of thing. They’re the subjects of the documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which follows their relationship as they coordinate similar stunts on skyscrapers around the world. Wednesday’s climb appeared to be at least partly a publicity stunt — and partly a very public proposal.

What actually happened?

Here’s what we know. Around noon on Wednesday, July 1st, people reported seeing two individuals on the spire of the Empire State Building. The spire juts up above the main tower, making the total height 1,454 feet — or about 100 feet taller than the observation deck where tourists take photos.

NBC4NY reported that the pair were seen around 12:00 p.m. and were climbing down about 40 minutes later. During that time, one of them was spotted proposing. The two were seen kissing and holding each other. Then they climbed down, and police took them into custody.

It’s not yet clear whether the pair are part of a larger organization or acting as individuals. What’s clear is they were wearing masks and brought at least one banner along for the climb.

What this means for Hudson County

If you looked out your window from a high floor in Hoboken or Jersey City, you might have seen a commotion at the Empire State Building. Police helicopters, a cleared observation deck, maybe even the two climbers themselves if you knew where to look.

For residents who work in midtown or commute past that building every day, this is the kind of story that stops you in your tracks. It’s a reminder that the skyline we see from across the river is not just steel and glass — it’s a stage for drama, protest, and sometimes, a very public act of love.

But it’s also a warning. The Empire State Building is one of the most secure buildings in the world. If two people can climb its spire in broad daylight, it raises questions about security — not just at that building, but at landmarks everywhere.

Still, for most people, the biggest impact will be the conversation piece. You will hear about this at dinner tables, on PATH trains, and in coffee shops. “Did you see that?” is a question a lot of people will be asking.

Who are these people?

Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus are Russian nationals known for climbing skyscrapers. They’re the stars of an upcoming documentary, Skywalkers: A Love Story, which chronicles their relationship and their ascents of some of the world’s tallest buildings. The film’s title suggests that love and risk are tightly woven together for this couple.

Their identities were confirmed by NBC News around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. They were still in custody at that time.

The Empire State Building’s management has not yet released a statement. The NYPD is leading the investigation.

What happens next?

This is still a developing story. The couple may face criminal charges — trespassing on a landmark building is a serious offense. The couple’s fate will likely play out in New York courts over the coming weeks.

For Hudson County residents, the best thing to do is watch the news and keep an eye on the skyline. And maybe give your loved ones an extra hug. It turns out love — even when it’s dangerous — can be visible even from across the river.

This story is developing. We will update it as more information becomes available.