Russian Rooftoppers Climb Empire State Building, Propose Marriage, and Get Arrested

On Wednesday, Russian professional climbers Angela Nikolau (33) and Ivan Kuznetsov (32) illegally ascended to the top of the Empire State Building's spire in New York City, reaching approximately 443 meters above Manhattan. The couple, known for their "rooftopping" stunts, unfurled a banner calling for world peace that read, "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace," a phrase often misattributed to Jimi Hendrix but originally from 19th-century British statesman William Gladstone.

After spending several minutes at the summit, Kuznetsov proposed marriage to Nikolau on a lower platform, and she accepted. The couple embraced and shared the moment on social media, including photos of the engagement ring. Meanwhile, New York Police Department closed streets around the building and deployed the Emergency Service Unit (ESU) to safely escort the pair down. The arrest was peaceful, with no injuries reported.

Authorities charged them with multiple offenses including trespassing, endangering lives, property damage, possession of burglary tools, and reckless conduct. Investigations suggest they accessed the spire through a locked maintenance hatch near the 102nd-floor observation deck, likely after monitoring building staff movements. Their stunt temporarily evacuated some visitors and delayed others entering the observation deck.

The Empire State Building management stated no danger was posed to residents or visitors and sarcastically noted that those seeking a memorable proposal could purchase the official $1,000 engagement package. Nikolau and Kuznetsov are internationally recognized for their high-rise climbs, featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary "Skywalkers: A Love Story." Nikolau's father, a Russian circus artist, commented that rooftop climbing is normal in their family and that he also engages in it.