Russian rooftoppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus pulled off one of the most audacious stunts in recent memory on Wednesday (July 1), illegally climbing to the top of the Empire State Building, unfurling a peace-themed banner and celebrating an engagement at the summit.
The couple, known for their death-defying urban climbs and the subjects of the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, reached the 1,454-foot (443-meter) tip of the building’s iconic antenna/spire around midday. Dressed in black with helmets, they appeared with minimal visible safety gear as they scaled the exterior of the landmark.
Once at the top, Nikolau and Beerkus (also known as Ivan Kuznetsov) unfurled a large black banner with white text reading: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” The message, a variation on a quote often linked to Jimi Hendrix, waved visibly as news helicopters captured the scene from above.
The pair spent roughly 10-30 minutes at the summit, balancing on narrow ledges, kissing and taking selfies. During their descent to a slightly wider section of the spire, Beerkus proposed to Nikolau, presenting her with a ring that she accepted. The couple shared additional embraces and later posted photos and videos from the vertiginous height on Instagram, showcasing the New York City skyline backdrop.
Building management called the climb unauthorized. No injuries were reported inside the Empire State Building, though the observation deck was temporarily closed during the incident. Police met the climbers on their way down and took them into custody after 1 p.m. They face multiple charges, including trespassing-related felonies and misdemeanors.
Nikolau, 33, and Beerkus, 32, have cultivated a global following through high-risk “rooftopping” videos and stunts that test both physical limits and their relationship. Their Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story follows their adventures climbing skyscrapers around the world and the trust required for such extreme shared experiences.
The stunt quickly drew widespread media coverage and public fascination, with onlookers on the streets below describing the scene as cinematic. It marks another bold chapter for the Russian daredevil duo, blending adrenaline, romance and a message of peace on one of New York’s most iconic landmarks.
