Rooftopper Couple Arrested After Empire State Climb

New York City – (Web Desk) – A rooftopper couple was arrested after they climbed to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City. Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, reached the building’s spire on Wednesday, July 1.

The Russian pair are known online for climbing tall buildings without safety gear. They were also featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story.”

Police said the couple unfurled a large banner near the antenna, about 1,454 feet above the ground. The banner carried a message about love and peace.

After coming down from the spire, Kuznetsov appeared to propose to Nikolau. She was later seen showing off a ring to onlookers.

NYPD officers from the Emergency Service Unit climbed up and brought the pair down safely. Body camera footage showed an officer telling them they could not stay up there.

Both climbers now face several charges. These include felony counts of burglary, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief. They also face misdemeanor charges such as trespassing, disorderly conduct, and possession of burglar’s tools.

It is still unclear how the couple got past security to reach the antenna area. That part of the building is far above the public observation deck.

A spokesperson for the Empire State Building said there was at no time danger to tenants, visitors, and observation deck guests. The observation deck reopened later the same day.

The couple has pulled off similar stunts before. Past climbs include Malaysia’s Merdeka 118 Tower and buildings in Miami and China.