A Russian couple known for documenting high-risk skyscraper climbs on social media has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly climbing the transmission tower of New York City’s Empire State Building and staging a marriage proposal at the summit.
Angelina Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, were arrested on July 1 after authorities said they illegally accessed restricted areas of the iconic skyscraper, climbed the antenna structure, and unfurled a banner before Kuznetsov proposed to Nikolau.
Couple Faces Eight Criminal Charges
According to police, both defendants face eight criminal charges, including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, criminal tampering, disorderly conduct, possession of burglar’s tools, and violations of local law.
The pair, who currently reside in East Orange, New Jersey, were held overnight in separate detention facilities and were scheduled to appear before Manhattan Criminal Court on July 2.
If convicted, they could face legal penalties determined by the court based on the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Authorities Investigating Security Breach
Investigators believe the couple bypassed standard security procedures used for visitors to the Empire State Building’s observation deck.
According to law enforcement officials, the pair may have observed employees’ movements before entering through a workers-only access point to reach restricted sections of the building.
Authorities also reported that the building’s antenna was temporarily switched off during the incident because of concerns related to broadcasting equipment and radio transmissions.
An Empire State Building representative said there was “at no time danger to tenants, visitors, or observation deck guests,” despite the unauthorized climb.
Incident Raises Questions About Building Security
The case has renewed attention on security at one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks. Officials are expected to examine how the couple gained access to restricted areas and whether additional security measures are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
While no injuries were reported, authorities have emphasized that unauthorized climbs of tall structures pose serious risks to both the individuals involved and emergency responders.
Known for High-Risk Urban Climbs
Nikolau and Kuznetsov have built a large online following by posting photographs and videos of themselves climbing skyscrapers and other tall structures without safety equipment.
Their previous stunts have included scaling Merdeka 118 in Malaysia—one of the world’s tallest buildings—as well as prominent structures in Miami and China.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Empire State Building climb while the criminal case proceeds through the New York court system.
