Couple Charged After Scaling Iconic NYC Landmark
NYPD investigators are probing whether the daredevil couple who climbed the Empire State Building’s spire on Wednesday had inside help, as they face multiple felony charges. Angelina “Angela” Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, known as Ivan Beerkus, pleaded not guilty to charges including burglary and reckless endangerment after they ascended the 1,454-foot antenna to unfurl a banner reading: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” The Russian rooftoppers, stars of Netflix’s 2024 documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, appeared to confirm the stunt on social media, with Nikolau flashing an engagement ring.
How They Breached Security
According to a law enforcement official cited by CNN, the couple entered as visitors Tuesday night, purchasing tickets to the open-air observatory on the 86th floor. Security footage showed them hiding in the observatory complex after closing, believed to be in a maintenance room. Video later captured them emerging from a hatch on the 102nd floor in the pre-dawn hours Wednesday. The criminal complaint states that a man used tools to loosen brackets to access a stairwell leading to the spire, then cut two padlocks to reach the antenna. Access required passing through multiple restricted areas, including the 103rd floor, which is key-card accessible. All visitors must pass through airport-style security with bag checks and X-ray machines, which the couple cleared.
Legal Consequences and Defense
The couple faces felony charges of burglary, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief, plus misdemeanors including criminal tampering, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and possession of burglars’ tools. Kuznetsov told police he wanted to “do something special for his engagement,” according to prosecutors via ABC News. Their attorney, Jason Krinsky, argued the district attorney’s office “overcharged” the case, saying, “They are trying to send a message… it was a message of love.” He added, “What a way to propose… you gotta give him some credit for that.”
An Empire State Building spokesperson called the incident “unauthorized” but stated there was no danger to tenants or visitors. However, NYPD Chief Michael LiPetri said the “serious felony charges” send a message that “there’s going to be consequences,” noting police risked their lives to bring the couple down safely. Their next court date is Aug. 24.
