Prateek Tanmay
After a couple was arrested on Wednesday for climbing the Empire State Building in New York City, where they apparently pulled off a “marriage proposal” stunt, the duo have been identified as Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33.
Background and media prominence of the climbers
Ivan and Angelina, who have been featured in a Netflix documentary, “Skywalkers,” released in 2024, reside in East Orange, New Jersey, though they originally belong to Russia, CBS News reported.
Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, who go by Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, depart New York criminal courthouse building. (AP Photo)
The social page of Kuznetsov identifies him as Ivan Beerkus, and Nikolau’s page identifies her as Angela. The two were released from custody on Thursday under supervision after an appearance in a court, reports stated.
BREAKING: A Manhattan judge granted the alleged Empire State Building climbers supervised release… and they shared a massive kiss before descending the subway stairs. Story coming @Gothamist pic.twitter.com/RUlw8lLshl
— brittany.kriegstein (@BKriegstein) July 2, 2026
Severe legal charges and pro-peace messaging
The couple, who have been charged with reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, violation of local law, possession of burglar’s tools, burglary, criminal tampering, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct, held a pro-peace banner at the top of the skyscraper that read, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
‘He got down on ONE KNEE? Oh my goodness…’
Daredevil couple reaches TOP of EMPIRE STATE BUILDING — gets ENGAGED — then IMMEDIATELY ARRESTED by NYPD
What happens if she says no though? pic.twitter.com/p2XELDgCUj
— RT (@RT_com) July 2, 2026
A controversial history of global rooftoppism
The CBS report added that the couple has had a history of climbing tall buildings without safety gear, performing similar stunts among others. In the Netflix documentary “Skywalkers”, the two were seen climbing Malaysia’s 2,227-foot-tall Merdeka 118 Tower.
Two people stand on the tip of the antenna of the Empire State Building while holding a banner. (AP Photo)
Scale of the Empire State transmission tower breach
On Wednesday, Ivan and Angelina managed to reach the top of the Empire State Building’s transmission tower, which is responsible for providing radio and television signals to local stations.
The duo posted pictures of their stunt on social media, wherein Ivan can be seen proposing to Angelina, and Angelina holding her ring while looking toward the New York City skyline.
Management responds and promotes authorized options
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Empire State Building said that “the unauthorized incident at the building has been resolved with the constructive and helpful coordination of the NYPD.”
The spokesperson added, “There was at no time danger to tenants, visitors, and Empire State Building Observation Deck guests. It is to be emphasized that the Empire State Building Observation Deck, atop the ‘World’s Most Famous Building’ in the center of New York City, does offer a practical way for the most memorable marriage proposals.”
