NEW YORK (WABC) — The black-clad couple climbed onto the Empire State Building’s transmitter, and by the time they climbed back down, they were engaged and then arrested.
Angela Nikolaou, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, were charged with multiple charges following their stunt, including burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, violating local laws, possession of burglar’s tools, criminal interference, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.
They were escorted out of the NYPD’s Midtown precinct Wednesday night.
Angela Nikolaou and Ivan Kuznetsov were escorted out of the Midtown South Precinct after being charged Wednesday evening.
Hours earlier, Nicolaou and Kuznetsov held a peace banner at the very top of the spire and the couple kissed just after noon on Wednesday.
It read: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world is at peace.”
Their banner is an interpretation of a quote often attributed to guitarist Jimi Hendrix, but actually said by 19th-century British politician William Gladstone.
It took the police a while to try to dissuade them, but obviously they had a mission.
After spending some time at the top, the couple began to descend after some time.
It happened as the couple was rappelling down the 1,454-foot spire of the Empire State Building.
Then Kuznetsov proposed to Nikolaou by pulling out the ring. After saying “Yes,” Nicolaou admired her new engagement ring and put it on as he went downstairs.
The couple also captured their adventure on their own camera and posted it for everyone to see, including images of the proposal and the ring.
At least two members of the NYPD’s highly trained emergency services team were harnessed, went up to meet the suspects halfway up the spire, and took them into custody shortly before 1 p.m.
The NYPD released body camera footage of officers arresting Nikolaou and Kuznetsov.
The NYPD has released body camera footage of two people in custody after illegally entering and climbing the Empire State Building.
One of the members who helped with the rescue just graduated from ESU on Monday.
ESU members were never exposed to the elements during the rescue operations and remained inside the spire the entire time. They used extension cords typically used in confined spaces and on bridges to guide the couple to safety.
The NYPD is currently reviewing surveillance of the Empire State Building. They believe the pair entered through a locked technical hatch on the 102nd floor observation deck and likely monitored personnel movements. How they managed to open the door is now a major part of the investigation.
Julie Morris was on the observation deck when she noticed someone walking through what appeared to be a restricted area.
“Well, I was at the top, at the very top, and these two people came with them. The net was opened. They were supposed to be working there and no one stopped them,” Morris said.
The dangerous stunt also forced some people to leave the building.
Lauren Glassberg and Darla Miles have the latest.
“They just kept us inside, but they let us out for maybe two minutes,” witness Grant Staub said. “I have some videos and pictures of people there, but then some police came out and immediately forced us to go inside.”
Dozens of tourists could be seen on the NewsCopter 7 observation deck.
“At first it was a little comical and seemed a little wild and crazy. And then, frankly, as soon as you got to the observation deck, I thought, I feel like we shouldn’t be here. It didn’t really seem super safe,” said witness Laura Staub.
There were also tourists waiting to get to the observation deck but never making it.
“We tried to see something, but from the 86th floor it was difficult,” said witness Rebecca Barbosa. “We just saw the commotion and the NYPD approaching. And then we thought, “Yeah, we better, I think we better leave.”
People working inside the building also watched the scene unfold before their eyes as the suspects were escorted outside.
Nikolaou and Kuznetsov are known for their daring climbs around the world. In fact, they were featured in the 2024 documentary The Rise of Love, which is currently available on Netflix.
In a statement, the Empire State Building said: “At no time was there any danger to tenants, visitors and guests of the Empire State Building Observation Deck. It must be emphasized that the Empire State Building Observation Deck, located atop the most famous building in the world in the heart of New York City, truly offers a practical way to make the most memorable marriage proposals.”
Daredevils have previously climbed the antenna and other parts of the Empire State Building. These climbs have been largely unsanctioned, but actor and musician Jared Leto was allowed to climb to the base of the antenna from the 86th floor in 2023 to promote a tour.
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