On Wednesday, July 1, a couple climbed to the very top of the Empire State Building in New York City. Dressed in entirely black outfits and masks, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus were seen climbing to the 1,454-feet-tall tower antenna. The couple raised a banner at the top of the building with Ivan proposing to Angela. The banner unfurled by the duo read:
“When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
The couple was soon arrested for their act, with their video going viral online.
Shortly after their arrest, the couple was released from jail. The couple kissed after being released, surrounded by reporters. As the clip of their kissing moment went viral, it garnered mixed reactions from netizens. One of them wrote:
“This should be legends of all time”
Netizens buzz as Empire State Building climbers share a kiss quickly after their jail release
One of them said:
“I wish them the best but it got me crying”
Another netizen dubbed it a power play.
“Not gonna lie it was a power play now they gotta start making media immediately”
An internet user commented:
“They out already . That was quick”
Another online user called it a way of celebrating their freedom.
“Well, that’s one unforgettable way to celebrate freedom.”
An internet user called it pure romance.
“That kiss says it all. What a wild ride these two just shared climbing the Empire State for love and peace then walking free together. Pure romance.”
A netizen wrote:
“That is quite the story! Definitely a memorable way to walk out of jail.”
Another fan lauded the couple’s efforts saying:
“Its their thing. They share them a lot on the climbs. They’ve grown another fanbase…including me”
Angela and Ivan faced multiple charges
The climbing couple was taken into custody by authorities for their marriage proposal on top of the Empire State Building. They faced several charges, including felony burglary, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, along with misdemeanours and criminal trespass.
After their act became famous worldwide, an Empire State Building spokesperson commented:
“The unauthorised incident at the building has been resolved with the constructive and helpful coordination of the New York Police Department. There was at no time danger to tenants, visitors, and Empire State Building Observation Deck guests.”
For those who may not know, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus were featured in the Netflix documentary Skywalkers in 2024.
Edited by Shatakshi Gupta