The couple, who gained international recognition through the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, scaled the iconic skyscraper without authorization and reached the building's spire before displaying a banner carrying a message about peace and love inspired by Jimi Hendrix. After completing the climb, Ivan Beerkus proposed to Angela Nikolau at the top of the landmark, marking the engagement before the pair safely descended.
Following their descent, officers of the New York Police Department took both climbers into custody without any confrontation. Authorities filed felony charges against the pair, including burglary and reckless endangerment, citing the unauthorized climb and the potential danger created by the incident.
New look at the couple who climbed the Empire State Building today. pic.twitter.com/uckAuD8bDm
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 2, 2026
Officials emphasized that such actions place first responders at significant risk and warned that unauthorized climbs of major structures can endanger emergency personnel as well as the individuals involved. The Empire State Building also condemned the climb as unauthorized and reiterated that public safety remains its highest priority.
The incident has drawn widespread attention because it combined an illegal ascent of one of the world's most recognizable skyscrapers with a public display advocating peace and love, followed by a marriage proposal. Despite the successful completion of the climb without injuries, the couple now faces serious felony charges stemming from the high-profile stunt.
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