Two individuals were taken into custody on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, after scaling the spire of the Empire State Building in New York City, where they unfurled a banner and appeared to get engaged. The New York Police Department confirmed that no injuries were reported and charges are pending.
Daredevils climb 1,454-foot antenna amid heat wave
As a dangerous heat wave swept through New York City, with officials advising residents to seek air-conditioned spaces, the masked couple gained access to the area above the observation deck and climbed the building's 1,454-foot antenna. They unfurled a banner reading: "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace." According to NBC New York, the duo remained on the antenna for approximately 30 minutes, tying the banner before descending to a platform below, where one knelt as if proposing.
Police began receiving 911 calls around noon after witnesses spotted the couple climbing. The pair continued their descent about 10 minutes later and were taken into custody without incident, according to an NYPD spokesperson.
Russian rooftoppers claim responsibility
While police did not identify the individuals, Russian rooftoppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus—stars of Netflix's 2024 documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story—appeared to confirm their involvement by sharing images from the top of the skyscraper on Instagram. One photo showed Nikolau displaying what seemed to be an engagement ring. The couple is known for climbing skyscrapers worldwide without harnesses or ropes. It remains unclear how they accessed the antenna, though the building appeared to be open during the incident, NBC reported.
