Authorities in New York City have arrested a couple accused of illegally climbing to the top of the Empire State Building, where they carried out a marriage proposal before being taken into custody.
The suspects, identified as Russian urban climbers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, are alleged to have evaded security measures before making their way up the antenna of the 1,454-foot (443-metre) landmark.
They were reportedly dressed in black clothing and had their faces covered during the climb.
After reaching the highest point of the skyscraper, the pair unfurled a large banner bearing the message, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” Viral videos circulating online show the man kneeling to propose, after which the couple embraced and kissed.
The incident led officials to evacuate the building’s observation deck as the situation unfolded, while an NYPD helicopter monitored the scene from above. Law enforcement officers later retrieved the banner before arresting both climbers without any reported confrontation.
A New York Police Department spokesperson said, “Two individuals were taken into custody without incident. There are no injuries reported. Charges are pending, and the investigation is still ongoing.”
