Empire State Building Climb Turns Into Dramatic Proposal as Two Daredevils Unfurl Peace Banner

Two daredevil climbers were arrested after scaling the spire of New York’s Empire State Building in a dramatic stunt that combined a peace message with an apparent marriage proposal. The climbers, identified in reports as Angela or Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, also known as Ivan Beerkus, reached the antenna structure high above the public observation deck on July 1, 2026, and unfurled a black banner carrying the message, “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” The stunt unfolded about 1,450 feet above Midtown Manhattan, drawing police attention and public curiosity as NYPD officers, helicopters and emergency units responded to the scene. After displaying the banner, the pair appeared to climb down to a lower platform, where Kuznetsov reportedly proposed to Nikolau before both were taken into custody. Authorities later said the climb was unauthorised and that the two faced charges including burglary, reckless endangerment and related offences. Reports also said investigators believe the pair had entered the building earlier as visitors and hid inside before making their way toward the restricted upper levels. The incident raised serious safety and security concerns because the Empire State Building is one of New York’s most iconic landmarks and the spire area is not open to the public. While the proposal-style moment drew attention online, officials stressed the danger involved for the climbers, police responders, visitors and the building’s security team. The Empire State Building said there was no danger to tenants or observation deck guests, while the NYPD praised emergency officers who safely brought the situation under control. The episode has now become a viral mix of romance, risk and controversy, showing how extreme social media-driven stunts can quickly turn into legal trouble when public landmarks and restricted spaces are involved.