Influencers Arrested for Illegal Empire State Building Spire Climb and Engagement

Two Social Media Influencers Arrested for Scaling Empire State Building Spire and Getting Engaged

Two social media influencers, Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, were charged with multiple felonies after illegally climbing to the top of New York City’s Empire State Building spire, where Kuznetsov proposed to Nikolau before their arrest. The couple accessed the spire by entering the building as visitors on the evening prior to the stunt, hiding inside overnight, and breaching restricted areas early Wednesday morning. Their actions raised significant security concerns at the iconic landmark.

Ingress

Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, climbed to approximately 1,450 feet without safety equipment and unfurled a banner reading “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” The stunt was captured on security footage and social media. They were arrested by the NYPD Emergency Service Unit after the building’s broadcast antenna was powered down for safety. Both were charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and other felonies.

Key Points

• The couple entered the Empire State Building as ticketed visitors on Tuesday evening and hid inside overnight before their climb.
• They used tools to disable security measures, including loosening brackets and cutting padlocks, to access the broadcast antenna atop the spire.
• The Empire State Building employs airport-style security screening, yet the pair gained unauthorized access to multiple restricted areas.
• Their stunt coincided with the Fourth of July weekend and garnered widespread media attention for its audacity and the on-site engagement.
• Following arraignment, the couple was released on supervised bail; their next court date is scheduled for August 24.

Unauthorized Climb and Engagement at the Empire State Building

Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, both known globally for extreme urban climbing and social media content involving unauthorized rooftop ascents, executed their latest stunt on July 2, 2024. The couple began their ascent at the Empire State Building by purchasing tickets to the 86th-floor observation deck late Tuesday night. After the building closed, they concealed themselves inside, reportedly in a maintenance room near the 102nd floor.

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, security cameras recorded them emerging near the 102nd-floor observatory. They proceeded to climb restricted stairways toward the broadcast antenna located on the 104th floor, passing through security barriers. Kuznetsov used hand tools to loosen metal brackets securing gate-like cables across stairwells and cut through two padlocks, enabling access to the antenna platform.

At the antenna spire, about 1,454 feet above Manhattan, the couple unfurled a large black banner with a peace-themed slogan, a paraphrase originally attributed to 19th-century British politician William Gladstone, which resonated with the Jimi Hendrix quote style. Kuznetsov then proposed, displaying a ring to Nikolau, who accepted.

The stunt, which was filmed and shared on their social media platforms, attracted public and media attention amid heightened security in New York City due to concurrent major events, including the America’s Fourth of July celebrations.

Security Implications and Arrest

Despite the Empire State Building’s strict security protocols—airport-style screening with bag checks and X-rays for visitors—the couple bypassed multiple layers of security and accessed areas prohibited to the public. Their infiltration appears to have involved prior surveillance and knowledge of the building's layout and staff movements.

The building's broadcast antenna emits high-frequency radio signals powerful enough to pose health risks, necessitating a temporary shutdown of the antenna for around 30 minutes to allow NYPD Emergency Service Unit officers to ascend safely and reach the couple. The officers, equipped with harnesses and extenders, climbed approximately 1,250 feet to escort Nikolau and Kuznetsov down and take them into custody.

The couple faces serious charges including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, possession of burglar’s tools, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct. Under New York law, these charges are not eligible for bail.

Public and Official Reactions

Witnesses on the Empire State Building’s observation decks reported initial surprise followed by concern for safety as the unauthorized ascent unfolded. Some visitors were instructed to stay indoors or evacuated briefly.

The Empire State Building's spokesperson emphasized no danger occurred to tenants or visitors and highlighted that official marriage proposals can safely take place within designated observation deck areas.

Law enforcement officials are reviewing surveillance footage and ticket records to investigate whether the couple had previously visited the building to plan the climb. The investigation also includes how they breached secure doors requiring key cards and disabled locks protecting restricted access areas, with estimated damage costs around $2,000.

Background on Nikolau and Kuznetsov

Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, also known as Ivan Beerkus, have built reputations as daredevil climbers who produce high-risk social media content involving scaling skyscrapers worldwide. They were featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary *Skywalkers: A Love Story*, which chronicled a similar climb in Kuala Lumpur.

The pair wore black outfits during the stunt, with Kuznetsov notably climbing in Adidas Adifom Climacool shoes—a lifestyle sneaker not designed for rooftop climbing, which drew attention within sneaker communities.

After their Thursday arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, the couple was released on supervised release and appeared affectionate, sharing a kiss outside the courthouse.

Their attorney, Jason Krinsky, criticized the severity of the charges as an overreach by prosecutors, while NYPD officials stressed that the felony charges serve as a warning against unauthorized and dangerous stunts at public landmarks.

Conclusion and Upcoming Proceedings

Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov’s unauthorized climb of the Empire State Building’s spire, culminating in an on-site marriage proposal, has prompted felony charges and a reevaluation of security protocols at the landmark. The couple’s next court appearance is set for August 24, 2024. Meanwhile, the Empire State Building continues to provide official options for safe and memorable marriage proposals within its observation decks.