- Subscribe to our US Editor's Choice newsletter to receive the most significant exclusive reports
Two unidentified individuals wearing masks ascended to the summit of the Empire State Building carrying a protest sign—until one knelt dramatically as part of a marriage proposal—are now being charged with several offenses.
Angela Nikolau, aged 33, and Vanya Beerkus, who is 32, were arrested after they performed an extreme aerial act on Wednesday afternoon.
A number of charges were filed against the Russian couple, such as theft, recklessness, vandalism, illegal entry, breach of a municipal regulation, interference with property, public disturbance, and carrying equipment used for burglaries, according to ABC News.
Adventure enthusiasts were taken out of a New York Police Department station in Midtown at night on Wednesday.
Beerkus appeared with a calm demeanor, wearing all-black clothing and restrained with handcuffs, as two law enforcement officials escorted him from the structure toward a white van.
Nikolau trailed behind with a smug expression, dressed entirely in black, while two police officers led her toward the identical white car.
A 33-year-old woman was smiling mischievously while seated inside the white van.
Nikolau and Beerkus are being taken to the Manhattan Criminal Court, where they will appear before a judge for their initial court hearing.
The duo climbed up the peak of the New York City a landmark standing at an impressive height of 1,454 feet.
While holding on tightly, the thrill-seekers unfurled a flag that stated: "When the strength of love overcomes the desire for power, the world experiences harmony."
The statement seemed to be an altered citation from British statesman William Gladstone, and is frequently incorrectly credited to the musician. Jimi Hendrix .
Following the raising of the flag near midday, the hikers started their descent shortly after 12:30 pm, stopping at a lower terrace where Beerkus knelt and made a proposal.
Nikolau seemed to agree to the surprising suggestion, as a helicopter hovering around the structure filmed the pair hugging, and they took off their masks to exchange a kiss.
An online personality shared a clip showing her standing on top of the Empire State Building during noon time.
A pair of daredevils, famous for scaling high-rise buildings, appeared in the 2024 Netflix film titled "Skywalkers: A Love Story."
Nikolau has shared images of herself climbing high structures and executing thrilling stunts while wearing a black feline mask.
She frequently appears in videos and photographs perched on extremely high structures alongside musician Beerkus.
Nikolau shared a set of images featuring the pair just following the performance, containing a picture of the engagement and her eye-catching new diamond ring.
The NYPD arrived on site, and the two individuals were arrested approximately at 1 p.m.
Visitors and spectators looked upward with amazement at the scene taking place overhead as the observation deck of the Empire State Building was rapidly evacuated.
Witness Julie Morris said to CBS, "We were near the summit. I saw two individuals unlock the gates—the wire mesh ones—and they ascended to the highest point."
I thought they were permitted to be there.
At the base of the famous structure, law enforcement officers had cordoned off the zone and blocked the road.
This is an urgent news update.
Read more